You couldn't blame anyone for taking this one out for a second spin. The original Best Exotic Marigold Hotel raked in profits in excess of €100 million as its mix of great veteran actors and an upbeat, colourful Indian backdrop proved to be a massive success. These days - any days, really - a movie that only requires you to turn up at a cinema and allow a broad smile to slowly form on your face has a lot going for it.
So, here we go again, but this time we know all about the retirees who've travelled to India from the UK to stay/live at the Marigold, and how its owner Sonny (Dev Patel) may have a heart of gold, but also sees things from a perspective that doesn't always coincide with reality.
With the Marigold established, Sonny and now co-manager of the hotel, Muriel (Maggie Smith), head to California to seek out financial backing to purchase a second premises. Sonny's also in the process of getting engaged to and marrying Sunaina (Tina Desai). And when he suspects that Richard Gere's new arrival Guy Chambers - no, not Robbie Williams' mate - is an undercover hotel inspector, he panics, setting off a series of actions and repercussions.
Meanwhile, Evelyn and Douglas (Judi Dench and Bill Nighy) have joined the Jaipur workforce, and are wondering where their regular dates for Chilla pancakes will lead, while Norman and Carol (Ronald Pickup and Diana Hardcastle) are negotiating a tricky exclusive relationship, and Madge (Celia Imrie) juggles two eligible and very wealthy suitors.
It's not nearly as much fun as the first film, but if you enjoyed the trip last time out, chances are you'll be satisfied with this sequel. Bill Nighy, as ever, is wonderful, and his presence just about lifts this over-long film above the mundane.
John Byrne
