The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel [2012]
Directed by: John Madden
Written by: Ol Parker (based on These Foolish Things by Deborah Moggach)
Starring: Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel, Tom Wilkinson, Maggie Smith, Penelope Wilton, Ronald Pickup, Celia Imrie
It’s contrived as hell and chock-full of walking clichés, but the wonderful cast of talented veterans elevate The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and make it a warm, thoroughly entertaining venture.
The development of her character might defy logic and common sense, but Maggie Smith excels as an old racist spinster. Dev Patel finally hits the screen again and shines brightly as the sunny Sonny.
Everyone’s in top form in this vibrant, equal parts funny and sad trip through India, but it’s Judi Dench (as always) and especially Bill Nighy who make a long-lasting impression.
It’s a good thing they had that incredible cast because without them this movie would’ve been unwatchable for me. Same thing plagued Hope Springs. Great cast elevates a pedestrian script.
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For me, I don’t think it would have been unwatchable, but having those actors really helped the so-so writing. They were mostly the reason I enjoyed it.
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It’s kind of funny you reviewed this the day after I saw it myself. 😉
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Coincidence? hehe
Look forward to reading your take on it.
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My review should be up next Wednesday. I wasn’t as thrilled as you were, is all I’ll say.
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Pretty much agree with you entirely on this one. After seeing the trailer for this, I thought it was going to be one of the years worst. But I was extremely pleasantly surprised, I really enjoyed it. Like you say, the great cast helps get over the more cliche moments. I didn’t think the script was too bad though. They took it in some places that I didn’t think it was going to go which was nice.
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Thanks! I think the script was a big weakness but by no means a disaster. I liked that it still had the ability to surprise and to makes us empathize with some characters that weren’t exactly likeable. The cast was a huge part in that, as well. Such great casting.
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