Format Reviewed: Cinema Release
Header Image Source: Wikipedia
CrownJules Concludes:
3 out of 5 stars
West moves East, the second chapter.
Directed by John Madden.
Under the backdrop of bustling Jaipur, Sonny (Dev Patel) and Sunaina (Tina Desai) are planning to be married. Sunaina, somewhat more than Sonny; who with the (moderate) success of the First Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, is looking to expand into a second location. Due to the fact that once their “elderly” guests check-in to the hotel, they only ever check-out when they ultimately check-out of the world… this leaves only one spare room for two new guests Guy Chambers (Richard Gere) and Lavinia Beech (Tamsin Greig), one of whom *might* be a hotel inspector from the American hotel chain from which Sonny is trying to win financial support. A somewhat farcical situation then ensues…
My favourite bit must be an excellent potty-mouthed lesson on how to properly make tea from Maggie Smith’s Muriel. Americans, take note: BOILING water!
Whilst being a suitably heart-warming and fun movie, it didn’t quite pack the emotional punch of the first. We were already familiar with the family of characters living at the hotel, and we already knew we enjoyed their company for a couple of hours. This was a good continuation of their stories, but it didn’t break that much new ground. What it does do well, is paint a beautiful picture of life in India, the wonderful hospitality of the people, and the gorgeous city and country. This film makes a lovely Sunday afternoon escape into the sunshine, and it’s suitable for all the family.
Crown Jules Presents 