Sonny and Sunaina are to be married, but complications arise when an expansion plan is threatened. With the hotel residents’ stories pretty much told in the first movie, this sequel struggles to justify itself, lifting instead the plot of a Fawlty Towers episode. Still, fans won’t complain, plus Richard Gere twinkles in support.
Tag: John Madden
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011, dir. John Madden)
British senior citizens relocate to India, where they find themselves in a dilapidated retirement hotel. Slight but fun romantic comedy aimed directly at Mamma Mia! fans. A strong cast helps; the film decides this isn’t the place to schematically engage with the negative impacts of colonialism, going instead for crinkly and twinkly. A sequel soon followed.
Miss Sloane (2016, dir. John Madden)
A ruthless Washington lobbyist goes against the pro-gun lobby. Initially intriguing though ultimately glib dramatic thriller with good performances and a sense of seriousness undone by an unbelievable third act.
255 Review 