The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015)

The critic finds the sequel charming, open-hearted and less cynical than its predecessor. They single out Maggie Smith’s performance and praise how the film weaves its many characters and subplots together.

The critic calls the sequel an irresistible, worthy companion to its predecessor. They praise its heart-warming humor, vivid Indian color, and the cast’s effortless chemistry.

The critic finds the sequel reassuringly familiar and warm, but sees little reason it needed to be made. The returning cast’s charm and the colorful Jaipur setting are its chief pleasures.

The critic describes the sequel as smooth and savvy, giving it a positive verdict. The available text singles out its savvy handling as a strength but offers no further detail.

Dowd finds the sequel mildly inferior, though it retains much of the original’s modest charm. He praises its leisurely pace, admiring view of India, and the delightful sparring between the veteran actresses.

Bradshaw finds the sequel sentimental and stereotypical but ultimately daft, likable, and better than its predecessor. He praises the cast’s thespian firepower, especially Maggie Smith’s presence and the subtle resolution of Celia Imrie’s romance.

Debruge finds the sequel amiable and spirited, though its laughs are fewer and its conflicts feel trivial. He especially praises the lively ensemble chemistry, with Maggie Smith’s sharp wit standing out.

Ebiri finds the sequel comfortable and dignified, though more predictable than the original. He singles out the game cast and Madden’s patient camera as strengths.

The critic finds the sequel overly sweet but still enjoyable. Maggie Smith’s sharply timed, deflating lines are singled out as the film’s saving grace.

The page is blocked, so the critic’s verdict cannot be determined. Its praise or complaints likewise cannot be verified from the available text.

The critic finds the film charming despite its mediocre material, with the older cast bringing delicate detail and panache to familiar storylines. She especially praises Judi Dench’s emotional honesty and the sparks between the older actors, while noting the lack of chemistry between Dev Patel and Tena Desae.

The critic finds the sequel less satisfying than the original, despite its moments of wit and charm. She praises the cast and the respectful portrayal of older people’s romantic lives, while faulting the screenplay for lacking substance and shape.

The review finds the sequel warm but rambling. It singles out Richard Gere as the filmmakers’ magic card.

Stables finds the sequel genial but overstuffed, with tinny plots and predictable scripting. She praises Maggie Smith’s sharp wit but says Richard Gere feels shoehorned into the crowded cast.

Olsen finds the sequel an obligatory, cobbled-together follow-up that overstays its welcome. He says the cast’s sheer charm nearly carries it despite aimless plotting and underused locations.

Felperin finds the sequel sluggish, repetitive, and blander than its predecessor, though likely to satisfy fans invested in its characters. She praises its stronger storylines for Indian characters and its attempt to engage with Indian culture from within.

Wilkinson finds the sequel warmly engaging and in some ways better than its predecessor. She particularly praises Maggie Smith’s portrayal of Muriel, which balances sharp wit with vulnerability.

Hammond finds the sequel great fun and another pleasurable Indian excursion. He praises the returning cast, who remain in fine form.

Preece finds the sequel gently charming, funny, and unexpectedly poignant, about as good as the original without breaking new ground. She praises the returning ensemble’s camaraderie, but criticizes the diffuse focus and recycled storylines.

Papamichael calls it a worthy successor, though its plot is slightly doddering and its outlook sunny. She praises the veteran cast’s grace and highlights Richard Gere as a welcome lift to the familiar routine.

Gill finds the sequel charming and exuberant but weighed down by an overstuffed, uneven structure and a troublingly unexamined colonial perspective. He praises Maggie Smith’s performance as the ensemble’s emotional center and highlights her scenes with Dev Patel as especially enjoyable.

The critic finds the sequel pleasant but mild, recommending it as an easy choice for older viewers. Dench and Nighy’s awkward, hesitant romance is praised, while the film’s idealised, stereotyped presentation of India draws criticism.

Grierson finds the sequel overstuffed, repetitive, and hard to justify, despite its seasoned cast. He particularly criticizes Sonny’s expanded role and awkward attempts to woo Guy.

The critic pans the sequel as lifeless and uninspired, with contrived conflicts and sitcom-level plotting that waste its talented cast. The review praises the cinematography’s vibrant images of modern India, though it finds them familiar rather than distinctive.