The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

All set with their own reasons for leaving England, an unlikely group of retirees converge in India to what they have been told is a newly restored retirement hotel. Upon arrival fast talking but well meaning hotel manager Sonny (Dev Patel) is quickly set into action to appease his new guests; but, charming this group will take every ounce of energy and to what end? Of the group, Evelyn (Judi Dench), Graham (Tom Wilkinson), Douglas (Bill Nighy), Jean (Penelope Wilton), Muriel (Maggie Smith), and Norman (Ronald Pickup) who will stay, and what of the pending and untold foreclosure of the hotel? Romantic comedy for a slightly older demographic, yes, but that’s not to write this one off to other audiences either. Good acting is still good acting and when you’ve got the above names involved, you’re bound to get something good no matter what. And, where the cinematography isn’t what we might hope for now that we’ve seen successful films that truly catch the frenetic nature of India, Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire comes to mind, the general spirit of the culture is still present. Overall, there are some genuinely touching and emotional moments and interesting story arcs. Still worthy of a matinee or perhaps a rental later, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is rated PG-13. On a side note, I’m still convinced Bill Nighy can do no wrong, too damn cool.