You can rest easy, they are ALL back, all of our favorites from the successful original "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel." Even director John Madden and screenwriter Ol Parker are back; it ain't broke so they ain't gonna fix it! This means we are in for a predictable but satisfying treat. (The screening crowd was overflowing: they had to turn away as many as got in and we were in a BIG venue!)
Here are some old friends (and a couple of new ones):
- Dev Patel ("The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel") Sonny is one of the most energetic, upbeat characters in recent cinematic history. He is dauntless! ...but he doesn't listen to reason AND he jumps to conclusions.
- Maggie Smith ("The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel") Muriel knows if you want something done right, do it yourself! She has become Sonny's right-hand man.
- Bill Nighy ("The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel") With that hateful wife (sorta) out of his life, maybe things are looking up for Douglas. You'll love how he manages to conduct those tours.
- Judi Dench ("The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel") Successful despite her shyness, Evelyn wants to spend quality time doing what she loves...and Douglas is part of that.
- Penelope Wilton ("The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel") Just when Douglas thought he was well rid of her, Jean shows up again.
- Celia Imrie, Diana Hardcastle, and Ronald Pickup ("The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel") are still making the best of their golden years.
- Tina Desai ("The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel") Sunaina's wedding date is coming fast but she still isn't sure her future mother-in-law likes her. This actress has Bollywood roots, just watch her dance!
- Tamsin Greig (Lots of TV) Lavinia books the last available room, but guess who shows up?
- Richard Gere ("Arbitrage") Guy Chambers gets the room because he is a "Hotel Inspector." Gere gets stuck with the most poorly written monologue I've had the misfortune to endure. I hope he was well paid.
- Shazad Latif (Lots of TV) Handsome Kushal competes with his best friend Sonny for a new property and an old girlfriend.
This sequel lacks the fun of discovery we enjoyed when we saw the first one, but we are so fond of everyone, we are prepared to love it anyway. But maybe it is called "Second Best" for a reason....
What more can I say? Two things: 1) Dev Patel is a movie star! 2) Closed captions, please!
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Take a peek:
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1125821465
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Take a peek:
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1125821465
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