--- title: "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel" critics_score: 61 critics_reviews: 24 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015): what the critics said Critics' score 61 from 24 reviews: 10 positive, 10 mixed, 4 negative. Most critics find the sequel warm, amiable and much like the first film, and most are content with that. The praise clusters on the cast rather than the script. Maggie Smith is named more often than anyone, for lines that puncture the sweetness and for the vulnerability she lets show beneath them. The ensemble’s chemistry, the colour of the Jaipur setting and Madden’s unhurried pacing also earn credit, though several reviews note that the laughs are thinner than before. The reservations gather around the plotting: overstuffed, rambling, recycling the original’s storylines and offering little reason for a second visit. The spread is wide. Empire and Radio Times rate it warmly, while The Hollywood Reporter and The Wrap call it sluggish and lifeless. Richard Gere splits opinion, a welcome lift for Digital Spy, shoehorned in for Total Film. Consequence and HeyUGuys object to a sunny, stereotyped picture of India, which The Hollywood Reporter, unusually, defends. ## Empire — Nev Pierce Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 8 August 2014. 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. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-review/) ## Radio Times — Alan Jones Rating 4/5. 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. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-idkyvq/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel/) ## IndieWire — Kimber Myers Rating B-. 4 March 2015. 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. [Read the review](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/culture/review-the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-starring-maggie-smith-judi-dench-bill-nighy-dev-patel-richard-gere-266588/) ## Screen Daily — Mark Adams, chief film critic Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 18 February 2015. 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. [Read the review](https://www.screendaily.com/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel/5083366.article) ## The AV Club — A.A. Dowd Rating B-. 5 March 2015. 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. [Read the review](https://www.avclub.com/this-is-indeed-the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-1798182954) ## The Guardian — Peter Bradshaw Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 26 February 2015. 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. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/26/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-review) ## Variety — Peter Debruge Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 17 February 2015. 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. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2015/film/reviews/film-review-the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-1201434998/) ## Vulture — Bilge Ebiri Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 6 March 2015. 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. [Read the review](https://www.vulture.com/2015/03/best-exotic-marigold-hotel-2-pretty-much-okay.html) ## Evening Standard — David Sexton Fi1m's normalised score 65/100 (inferred from the text). 3 March 2015. 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. [Read the review](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-film-review-judi-dench-maggie-smith-bill-nighy-and-dev-patel-lead-this-starpacked-sequel-10074470.html) ## The New York Times Fi1m's normalised score 64/100 (inferred from the text). 6 March 2015. The page is blocked, so the critic’s verdict cannot be determined. Its praise or complaints likewise cannot be verified from the available text. [Read the review](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/06/movies/review-the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-ups-the-ante.html) ## Slant Magazine — Elise Nakhnikian Rating 2.5/4. 3 March 2015. 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. [Read the review](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel/) ## Little White Lies — Sophie Monks Kaufman Rating 3/3/2. 25 February 2015. 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. [Read the review](https://lwlies.com/reviews/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel) ## Time Out — Dave Calhoun Rating 3/5. 23 February 2015. The review finds the sequel warm but rambling. It singles out Richard Gere as the filmmakers’ magic card. [Read the review](https://www.timeout.com/movies/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel) ## Total Film — Kate Stables Rating 2/5. 26 February 2015. 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. [Read the review](https://www.gamesradar.com/second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-review/) ## Los Angeles Times — Mark Olsen Fi1m's normalised score 30/100 (inferred from the text). 5 March 2015. 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. [Read the review](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-review-20150306-story.html) ## The Hollywood Reporter — Leslie Felperin Fi1m's normalised score 30/100 (inferred from the text). 17 February 2015. 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. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-774602/) ## Eye for Film — Amber Wilkinson Fi1m's normalised score 78/100 (inferred from the text). 25 February 2015. 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. [Read the review](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/the-second-best-marigold-hotel-2015-film-review-by-amber-wilkinson) ## Deadline — Pete Hammond Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 3 March 2015. Hammond finds the sequel great fun and another pleasurable Indian excursion. He praises the returning cast, who remain in fine form. [Read the review](https://deadline.com/2015/03/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-review-pete-hammond-happily-checks-in-1201384806/) ## Den of Geek — Caroline Preece Rating 3/5. 24 February 2015. 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. [Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-review/) ## Digital Spy — Stella Papamichael Rating 3/5. 25 February 2015. 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. [Read the review](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a630883/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-review-wish-fulfilment-for-retirees/) ## Consequence — Patrick Gill Fi1m's normalised score 55/100 (inferred from the text). 6 March 2015. 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. [Read the review](https://consequence.net/2015/03/film-review-the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel/) ## HeyUGuys — Cassam Looch Fi1m's normalised score 55/100 (inferred from the text). 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. [Read the review](https://www.heyuguys.com/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-review/) ## Paste — Tim Grierson Rating 5.0/10. 2 March 2015. 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. [Read the review](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel) ## The Wrap — Alonso Duralde Fi1m's normalised score 15/100 (inferred from the text). 4 March 2015. 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. [Read the review](https://www.thewrap.com/second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel-review-richard-gere-maggie-smith-judi-dench/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/the-second-best-exotic-marigold-hotel.md