The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (PG) ***

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British Seniors Get Another Kick At The Exotic Can In India

By Alan Samuel

Can lightning strike twice?   That’s what the producers of The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel are banking on. Much of the cast from the surprise hit a while back are back aimed squarely at older more mature adults this Fox. Searchlight Pictures presentation hits the mark at The Fifth Avenue cinemas.

Again mysterious India is where this film takes place. Out to snare a big deal with an American firm is hotelier Sonny Kapoor. In control in a manic sort of way is Dev Patel who may have more issues on his mind with a pending marriage.

Adults populate this hotel and with them come a series of dilemmas these old folks must deal with. A top level cast including Dame Judi Dench (Skyfall), funny man Bill Nighy, sedate Maggie Smith (The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie), David Straithan (The Bourne Identity) and new transplant Richard Gere (An Officer and a Gentleman) mug their way through the proceedings.

Yes, the lavish Indian wedding is opulent and fun. All the acting is just fine. Still, the novelty and freshness of the original movie seems to have worn off and lost its originality.  Director John Madden  returns to the fold but this time really  serves up nothing special.

Still, older folks who were at the screening I attended thoroughly enjoyed this 122 minute festive treat.