The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015)

Charming old timers return to remind us that getting old doesn’t have to mean giving up. Quaint, but not as original as the first film.

Rating: C

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)

A charming literary adaptation from John Madden, filmed on location in India, starring the who’s who of golden aged British actors. Heavy on characterization and dialogue, without lulling you to sleep. The cinematographer did not try to whitewash India as a mystical wonderland. It’s gritty and busy, yet not without its charms. Sure, they tied everything up in a neat bow at the end, but sometimes that’s exactly what we want.

Rating: B