Warm, fuzzy, colorful and comfortable, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is much like your favorite pashmina–the one that makes you feel happy every time you wear it. On this return visit, all your favorite characters are still staying at the original inn, and it’s so successful that the loquacious Sonny, played by Dev Patel, is attempting to attract investors for a second branch.

Oddly enough, Richard Gere makes a guest appearance, which adds some interest, even if it doesn’t make a lot of sense. He hardly fits in with the rest of the residents, and he forms a romantic attachment to the most unlikely of characters– it’s difficult to find the chemistry or motivation. At least he’s fun to watch. Tamsin Grieg from Showtime’s Episodes also checks in, but her stay is minimal.

Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith, Ronald Pickup and Diana Hardcastle are the most prominent senior residents, and they’re a joy to behold. One of the greatest charms of The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is that it doesn’t stereotype the senior set as doddering geezers. This crew is sexy, energetic and ambitious, not to mention colorful of language and comportment.

And perhaps it’s the colorful sights and sounds are the real stars of the film. The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel shows India at it’s impossibly brilliant best, crime free and swirling with exotic music, affable characters and a dazzling palette. This time around, however there’s a wedding in the works, which presents the opportunity for plenty of Bollywood-style dance numbers, making us all wonder why we can’t introduce that tradition to the staid weddings of the United States. I, for one, am going to encourage my nieces to go for it — they’ve been hankering for it since they saw Bend it Like Beckham and Bride and Prejudice.

Director John Madden serves both his cast and his audience proud — don’t forget he’s also responsible for Shakespeare in Love and Proof. In essence I’d say The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a five star film. You can check in any time you like, but you’ll never want to leave.

2 Hours 2 Minutes

Rated PG

The Second Exotic Marigold Hotel Review