The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Fox Searchlight Pictures | Release Date: March 6, 2015
6.0
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 68 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
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29
Mixed:
31
Negative:
8
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10
ThegodfathersonMar 8, 2015
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is more joyous, fresh and funnier than the first one. Dev Patel, who is also starring in the monstrous robot drama- Chappie, gives a great performance. This film is a refreshing reboot from the agingThe Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is more joyous, fresh and funnier than the first one. Dev Patel, who is also starring in the monstrous robot drama- Chappie, gives a great performance. This film is a refreshing reboot from the aging senior comedies, but TSBEMH gives a new look at a whole new meaning at a whole new genre.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
NerdConsultantMar 6, 2015
Overall the Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a film that can best be described as OK. Let’s face the fact that it was never going to outdo its first film, but it definitely gives it a valiant attempt. the films strongest asset is theOverall the Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a film that can best be described as OK. Let’s face the fact that it was never going to outdo its first film, but it definitely gives it a valiant attempt. the films strongest asset is the cast even if a few feel wasted and i still think this feels like a tourist board version of India ignoring quite a few of the issues affecting India today. but the charaters are what make this movie as flawed as it sometimes gets theseare enjoyable. Would I describe this film as good? Probably Yes, I would say it was good, it just wasn’t as good as I wanted it to be!! What propels the film up is it’s cast and decent performances, I just think it could have been slightly better written. I think, given a bit more time and a few changes to the script , this film could have been great. I will say, however, if you enjoyed the first film maybe you should go and see it at the cinema. I would personally recommend you wait for it to come out on DVD though, especially considering that I would rather this film not be a box office success and encourage the idea of making a third film. Seriously, stop here!!… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
ledaumasMar 12, 2015
What a wonderful way to show us Indian culture! I love the bunch of older characters imparting their wisdom on the younger characters as they try to extend their finances into a comfortable retirement and last phase of their lives. Maybe theWhat a wonderful way to show us Indian culture! I love the bunch of older characters imparting their wisdom on the younger characters as they try to extend their finances into a comfortable retirement and last phase of their lives. Maybe the movie won't win awards, but it's a joy to watch!… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
olderandwiserMar 8, 2015
The original “Marigold Hotel” was a funny, charming, and perilous adventure that brought together a band of displaced senior citizens hoping to make a life in a ramshackle hotel in India. The sequel, “The Second Exotic Marigold Hotel” isThe original “Marigold Hotel” was a funny, charming, and perilous adventure that brought together a band of displaced senior citizens hoping to make a life in a ramshackle hotel in India. The sequel, “The Second Exotic Marigold Hotel” is less perilous perhaps, but equally delicious in it’s finely crafted script, lush locations and delightful performances by a cast of seasoned actors. This film presumes you know the basics of the original (best to see the first one first.)

In this one, hotel owner Sonny (Dev Patel) plans to expand with the help of Mrs. Donnely (Maggie Smith) and a U.S. investor. Sonny believes new guest (Richard Gere) has been sent to check things out. Most of the hotel guests have started new jobs—Douglas (Bill Nighy) is giving tours, Evelyn (Judi Dench) is a buyer for a fabric broker. But of course they all end each day in the twinkling glow of the “Marigold”.

Sequels are frequently a weak continuation of the original, but this sequel doesn’t disappoint. The dialogue is intelligent and genuinely witty enough to make you laugh out loud. The tapestry of life in Jaipur, India is depicted as less threatening and more colorful than in the first film, making “The Second Exotic Marigold Hotel” a treat to watch as romance seems to be bubbling up in every corner.

While Richard Gere may seem an unlikely add-on to this crew of aging hotel guests, you’ll savor every moment Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith and Judi Dench are onscreen. The film has depth that may be lost on younger viewers, as it drops the occasional poetic nugget of wisdom meant for those who have traveled a bit further in life.

It’s like going to your favorite restaurant. You’ll love what’s on the menu, you’ll enjoy every bite, and you’ll leave happy.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
moviedMar 14, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Overall the Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a film that can best be described as OK. Let’s face the fact that it was never going to outdo its first film,

http://bit.ly/1BGVmuH

but it definitely gives it a valiant attempt. the films strongest asset is the cast even if a few feel wasted and i still think this feels like a tourist board version of India ignoring quite a few of the issues affecting India today. but the charaters are what make this movie as flawed as it sometimes gets theseare enjoyable. Would I describe this film as good? Probably Yes, I would say it was good, it just wasn’t as good as I wanted it to be!! What propels the film up is it’s cast and decent performances, I just think it could have been slightly better written. I think, given a bit more time and a few changes to the script , this film could have been great. I will say, however, if you enjoyed the first film maybe you should go and see it at the cinema. I would personally recommend you wait for it to come out on DVD though, especially considering that I would rather this film not be a box office success and encourage the idea of making a third film. Seriously, stop here!!… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
7
duncan1964Mar 23, 2015
If it ain't broke, don't fix it! The old adage proves true for this second instalment of the geriatric dramedy that showcases the best in ageing British talent. The whole cast is back as Sunny plans to expand with a second hotel and has anIf it ain't broke, don't fix it! The old adage proves true for this second instalment of the geriatric dramedy that showcases the best in ageing British talent. The whole cast is back as Sunny plans to expand with a second hotel and has an undercover hotel inspector to deal with. Occasionally bordering on farce, its hard to dislike any film that has Dames Dench and Smith trading witty barbs, with the added bonus of silver fox Richard here thrown in. There may be a third instalment - but they'll need to be quick!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
marcmyworksJul 4, 2015
Though it does get muddled in the amount of characters this film is beautiful story with the moral that you cannot control life but rather embrace what you are given. A great message for us all.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
QuelhasSep 15, 2015
The first movie is, by far, better than this second, and that's a risk of making a sequel. It was not a bad movie, though, and it is entertaining enough.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Brent_MarchantMar 7, 2015
An enjoyable sequel that effectively does what a sequel should do -- continue the story without resorting to rehashing material from the original. While the film does suffer from a few relentlessly silly plotlines and some blatant overacting,An enjoyable sequel that effectively does what a sequel should do -- continue the story without resorting to rehashing material from the original. While the film does suffer from a few relentlessly silly plotlines and some blatant overacting, the picture also introduces some interesting new twists and features a standout performance by Maggie Smith. Even though this may not be the best sequel ever made, it does a capable, entertaining and thoughtful job of presenting the next chapter in the lives of a coterie of colorful characters.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
WJSJan 23, 2016
Well, I didn't see the first one but I assume that it was just as charming as this one. It's really hard to criticize a film like this, populated by all these great, mature actors. 'Nuff said.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
NRNSWJul 25, 2015
It is rare that a sequel is as good if not better than the original. With a cast like this one, it is not surprising that it is true for this movie franchise. Let's hope they make a third.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
yezoMar 30, 2015
It is interesting to know more Indian culture in this movie in the Western world perspective. It was quite different from the Bollywood movies.
First of all, I did not watch the first movie so I did not know the background whatsoever. I didIt is interesting to know more Indian culture in this movie in the Western world perspective. It was quite different from the Bollywood movies.
First of all, I did not watch the first movie so I did not know the background whatsoever. I did quite enjoy the movie. I was shocked to see how naive and childish Sonny with his character. I would be surprised if it is common in India.
There are a few couples in the movies and each of them have their stories which make it a little bit hard to follow because several stories being presented consecutively and I feel like each story could expand a more. I know it is a long movie but I still feel something is missing in the story.
There is some funny bits in the movie which is quite enjoyable.
I would recommend to watch this movie...… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
DawdlingPoetNov 26, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a gentle comedy drama film with themes including camaraderie and entrepreneurship. It is obviously a sequel to the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and it features quite a few of the same characters from the original film. It features some quite pretty indian landscapes and a number of sub-plots, some of which are more interesting than others. I felt it was quite watchable and entertaining, although not exactly major laugh out loud style funny, it was certainly relatively amusing. I think there is something funny, in an observational comedy sort of a way, about seeing British people who are quite entrenched in their ways, having to adapt to unfamiliar surroundings, which applies to this film in as much as Muriel is dragged long, with young entrepreneur Sonny, to the US to try to get financial support from businesses. Lets say she is less than impressed with what she sees there.

Its quite light hearted (for the most part) and I enjoyed seeing how the characters various relationships had adjusted and the changes that had taken place since the first film (the sequel is set roughly a few months after the end of the first film). The film features, of course, mainly eastern music, Indian including Bhangra music and the like, which definitely does re-inforce the 'exotic' aspect of the films title.

I liked the steely determinism showed by some of the characters - there's something re-assuring about that. Some of the male characters get in a bit of a flap and I enjoyed it, from the point of view that its not necessarily all that often that the husbands find themselves in a tizzy, while the wives (or partners) carry on, headstrong and happy. Whether its a film that appeals more to women, compared to men, I'm not entirely sure - I wouldn't say its utterly a feminist type of a film, that would probably be a case of over-analysing it a bit but I certainly enjoyed it enough in any case. Men aren't exclusively depicted as idiots, so it didn't bother me too much.

Cast wise, the film features a couple of new characters, namely Richard Gere as Guy Chambers and Tamsin Greig as Lavinia Beech. I enjoyed their scenes, although they don't feature in as much of the film as you may, perhaps, hope - most of the film features the original cast, including Maggie Smith as Muriel Donnelly, Judi Dench as Evelyn Greenslade and Bill Nighy as Douglas Ainslie. All give decent, solid performances.

There are some subtitles present, during scenes involving trade deals, although it doesn't make up the majority of the film, so it shouldn't be too much of an issue. It is also a bit sentimental, perhaps a little too sweet (as in saccharine sweet) for some peoples taste near the end. Content wise, there is little present which is likely to offend or upset people. There is no real strong language or violence present, although one or two minor crude references perhaps but it certainly didn't seem at all frightening or graphic. Due to this, it carries a PG rating - I think it makes for a pretty decent family film, although it may not particularly interest very young viewers due to it being mainly character and dialogue driven, not featuring much in the way of CGI/large scale visual effects.

The film has the feel of a Sunday evening TV show - think of shows like 'Wild at Heart' and 'The Good Karma Hospital'. There are no major plot twists that make it too depressing or upsetting a watch and it definitely has that slight uplifting feel common in such Sunday evening viewing, only it features some high profile cast members. It is quite a symbolic film, with some poignant dialogue, much like the first film was/is and I liked that.

Yes I'd recommend this film, if you enjoyed the first one then the chances are, you'd enjoy this follow up. Its quite light hearted, amusing at times and not too depressing or upsetting, plus it features some good cinematography. Its probably not quite as funny as the original film but its still a decent watch.… Expand
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