This weekend was a busy one for film lovers, The Oscars finally graces us with it’s presence… For Scott it signals the start of 2012.
I have been looking forward to this weekend for a long time. And not for the reasons that you would expect a film blogger to. I really couldn’t care less who wins a little golden statue, or who is wearing the best dress. I am so over award season now. OK I am being a little of a grumpy old man (no change there) here, but I just want 2012 to start already.
Someone please tell what the joke was???
You see we are already nearly into March, the sun has been shining down here in Brighton all weekend and it feels like spring is on it’s way. In fact I even had a small stirring in my BBQ gland yesterday. I nearly got some charcoal out and burnt some meat! OK this was probably too far, but it was a lovely weekend. But when it comes to 2012 and film releases I honestly feel like I have been a little in limbo waiting for something to happen. I am hoping that now The Oscars are done, we can finally move on with some cinematic loveliness. There are so many delights coming up in the future months that I am doing a little dance here in my office…. Yes it is Dad dancing, and yes it is embarrassing!
ENOUGH MOANING LAWLOR, What did you watch this weekend?
Well actually nothing. I had a film free weekend. This wan’t out of choice, or selection. It just happened. I got home Friday night, and then in a blink of an eye and a few bike rides, roast dinners and family games, it was Sunday night. It felt like the quickest weekend EVER. This is what happens when the sun comes out down here in the south! So as I have nothing for you in the way of a film review, I am afraid I am having to lean on my good friend and great writer Tom Bielby to give us a review. Tom was lucky enough to go to a preview screening of ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’, and he seemed to enjoy it more than he thought he was going to. Here is his review…
THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
It is often the films that we least expect to enjoy that make the biggest impression on us, and whilst The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is not a film I would usually consider watching, I was pleasantly surprised by its effortless charm, touching story, and (mostly) inoffensive humour and the two hours seemed to fly by as fast as the chaotic traffic on the Indian roads. Much like the introduction to gangs we often seen in crime flicks, the pensioners are introduced one bye one at the start of the film, giving us an insight into each individual character and setting up the story for their eventual relocation to India. All of the characters have very different reasons for visiting the country and the interweaving stories are handled adeptly considering the size of the cast, although there are occasions when some of the more interesting characters – Norman the promiscuous old man to name one – are left by the wayside. On the group’s arrival in India it soon becomes apparent that their chosen destination does not live up to their expectations and this leads to the inevitable comical moments as a bunch of pensioners struggle to adapt to their new surroundings. Not all of them are hoping for a new life, with one old lady choosing to head to India to undertake an operation, and whilst some relish the changes thrust upon them, others are for more distressed by the exotic surroundings.The variety of trials and tribulations that the cast encounter is such that I imagine older generations of viewers will be able to relate to at least one of the character’s story-lines, if not more, and I cannot help but imagining that if the cast of Skins were to relocate to India in fifty years time it could well pan out like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. 
When considering the recent revelation that Judi Dench is having problems with her vision it is amazing to see that her ability as an actress has not diminished a single iota as she takes on the role of widower Evelyn with ease, as do the majority of the cast who all adapted to their roles in such a way that their performances all feel very natural, almost as if they aren’t acting at all. Bill Nighy and Tom Wilkinson are ever watchable as a husband struggling to keep his marriage afloat and a man whose past is shrouded in mystery respectively, but it is Ronald Pickup who steals the show as cheeky chappy Norman, whose endless sleazy chat up lines fail to impress the women he encounters. Visually, the film is stunning, with the exotic locations and colourful surroundings used to great effect, and it is easy to see why certain hotel residents were as equally taken with their new environment as I was. The inevitable comparisons to Slumdog Millionaire are bound to surface; Dev Patel’s against all odds romance may still be here along with some similarly affecting story-lines but apart from being set in India the films have little in common, and this is far from being Slumdog Pensioner. 
Overall I was very pleasantly surprised by The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, the advertising led me to believe that this was a film strictly for older generations but it is a charming movie for both the young and the young at heart. Whilst it is not in the same league as British classics such as The Full Monty or Billy Elliot, it certainly has the same distinctly British heart running through it, with the touching storylines accompanied by comedic elements to ensure that this feel good movie will delight viewers of all ages.
About The Author – Tom Bielby
Long time film fan and aspiring film writer, Tom is a horror fanatic who wasted far too much time at University sitting through every film in the IMDB Top 250. He is partial to foreign films and cult cinema and would love to rid the world of people who rustle their popcorn during important scenes. He can be found on Twitter under the alias @filmbantha
Does The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel sound like a place that you would like to stay or would you rather visit a more reputable destination? Let me know your thoughts below…
More From Custard
- Weekend Round-Up – A Musical weekend with Kurt and Courtney
- Weekend Round-Up – Cine-City 2011 Continues, The Turin Horse.
- Weekend Round-up, The Adjustment Bureau and The Shadow Line
Custard Recommends
- Film Review #60: The Fox and the Child | The World According to Dave (The World According to Dave)
- Film Review #84: The Crazies (The World According to Dave)
GD Star Rating
loading...
loading...
26 Comments
Leave a Reply
Videos
Weekend Round-Up – Birthday Balloons and John Carter Review
This weekend is a special one in FRC Towers, filled with Birthdays and a surprising cinema visit. Today is Monday. Monday 5th March. This is a day that is special to us here at FRC Towers. It is the Birthday of our youngest, Pearl. She is five today. And boy...
Cinema Review – Project X
Project X hits the cinemas this weekend, Teri investigates whether this is the next generation of teen classics… In my opinion, Superbad is one of the best mainstream comedies of the last ten years. What Project X manages to do is take everything that’s great about Superbad, dumb it down,...
Cinema Review – This Means War
Out this weekend in the UK is This Means War, but is this really the film we need to see BANE in? Or is it a comedy classic? Teri investigates… I have very limited patience for films that look like Pepsi commercials. From the opening scene, I wasn’t even sure...
Weekend Round-Up – The 84th Academy Awards, Sunshine and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Review
This weekend was a busy one for film lovers, The Oscars finally graces us with it’s presence… For Scott it signals the start of 2012. I have been looking forward to this weekend for a long time. And not for the reasons that you would expect a film blogger to....
27 Feb 2012, 10:42 am
I reacted exactly like you at the trailer! I thought to myself: “That’s a movie for old people” and pushed away the fact that my hair too is graying… Then I heard Kermode being surprisingly favorable of it and now you. Perhaps it’s a movie I should watch when/if it turns up here.
loading...
loading...
27 Feb 2012, 11:21 pm
It is a move you should look out for Jessica, it’s great when a film exceeds your expectations, slight case of bad marketing on this one, it isn’t just for the oldies!
loading...
loading...
27 Feb 2012, 12:06 pm
Oh how I look forward to your Monday morning musing Scott!
And you’re on form today!
This made me laugh “In fact I even had a small stirring in my BBQ gland yesterday. I nearly got some charcoal out and burnt some meat!”
We enjoyed a five-mile walk on Saturday in the sun in a little picturesque reservoir/farm land area of the Peak District…most will know it better as Last of the Summer Wine country.
I’ll finish with another quote:
“There are so many delights coming up in the future months that I am doing a little dance here in my office…. Yes it is Dad dancing, and yes it is embarrassing…” – another thing that made me laugh!
loading...
loading...
27 Feb 2012, 11:23 pm
Thanks for the comment Dan, I love Scotts little gems he comes out with as well!
loading...
loading...
27 Feb 2012, 2:05 pm
I’m so envious of Tom, I wanna see MARIGOLD too! I’ve been loving that film for more than a year now. Love the cast and the idea. I think I will love that one!
loading...
loading...
27 Feb 2012, 11:28 pm
I’m sure you will Dez, it’s such a fun uplifting flick, although it does have its poignant moments too. Hope you get round to watching it soon
loading...
loading...
27 Feb 2012, 2:38 pm
I can’t wait to start 2012 either. But mostly I want to catch up the non-new movies. They’re more fun to review sometimes, when they’re that good. Seeing your review, it seems like a worth movie to watch. Thanks, Scott!
loading...
loading...
27 Feb 2012, 11:30 pm
Hi Andina, thanks for the comment, it was me who watched marigold, Scott had a rare weekend off watching films, something that I could probably do with once in a while but that would be one hell of a challenge
loading...
loading...
27 Feb 2012, 2:47 pm
As soon as the aired the final film montage from last night, I said goodbye to 2011. I’m done with that year. Let’s move forward into an exciting new year of films. Next year hopefully they won’t nominate 9 films again. Four of the films didn’t even take home anything.
loading...
loading...
27 Feb 2012, 11:33 pm
Too right Max, 2012 is shaping up to be a great year so many exciting films to look forward to. I cannot wait for Prometheus for one.
loading...
loading...
27 Feb 2012, 2:59 pm
Same here Scott!! I couldn’t care less with Oscar…but that photo is entertaining
Fine review Scott. I don’t know have you noticed or not that I have been watching more British movies than Hollywood’s lately…I will note this down and see it in DVD.
Talking about British movies, I have just posted a post called Laughing at The Brits
loading...
loading...
27 Feb 2012, 11:36 pm
Glad you have taken a note to watch this Novroz, there have been some great British films in the past few years and it’s always good to see them being successful abroad.
loading...
loading...
27 Feb 2012, 5:04 pm
I was listening to Kermode’s review of the film and he said that Marigold was very similar to Ladies in Lavender in that it is marketed as a film for the golden oldies, but when in reality it is a movie which is so much more than that.
At least for Lavender I will say that this is true. We don’t get Marigold here until a little later (May to be exact) so I will have time to think about it.
I lifted my Oscar embargo a bit if for no other reason that much was not on the TV. No interest in seeing the NBA All Star Game.
loading...
loading...
27 Feb 2012, 11:39 pm
I’ve not actually heard of Ladies in Lavender so will make sure to check that one out!
loading...
loading...
27 Feb 2012, 5:10 pm
Definitely a surprisingly good film, TBEMH. Glad to hear another favourable review. And I’m with you Scott, it’s time to start cautiously sun worshipping and getting ready for the big, loud, silly summer season! Bring on the blockbusters 2012!
loading...
loading...
27 Feb 2012, 11:41 pm
Thanks for the comment Pete, good to see that a lot of people out there enjoyed it as much as me. I’m also looking forward to the blockbusters, it should shape up to be a cracking summer!
loading...
loading...
27 Feb 2012, 5:38 pm
Hello matey, hope you had a nice weekend. I know what you mean about award season, I’m glad it’s over too. Btw, you’re invited to check out my recap & reflections post on the ceremony over at FC, overally I thought it was enjoyable.
Oooh, I so want to see THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL. I LOVE the cast and the story just sounds like something I’d definitely enjoy. I really hope it’ll open in a cinema near me soon. Thanks for the review matey!
loading...
loading...
27 Feb 2012, 11:43 pm
From the films that you enjoy Ruth I can tell you that this one should definitely be up your street, hope you get a chance to see it soon.
loading...
loading...
27 Feb 2012, 5:50 pm
I am right there with you, Scott. So glad the awards are over. I caught half of the show, and nothing really stood out for me. 2012 looks like it will be an exciting year, though.
And nice review, Tom! I may have to check out that movie simply because Bill Nighy and Tom Wilkinson are in it. Those guys are great.
loading...
loading...
27 Feb 2012, 11:45 pm
They are great actors Eric, and it’s good to see that there are still decent roles available to them as they get older. I’m not much for awards ceremonies either, I’d rather be watching a movie!!
loading...
loading...
27 Feb 2012, 11:07 pm
I had absolutely zero time to watch a movie this past weekend. Me and my friend got the odd idea of hitting the gym at the (second) oddest hour of 11PM on Friday night and then I had to run the movie league draft all of Saturday. Then, I had to wake up early on Sunday for work only to get back around 4PM at which point I hurried back to conclude the draft. Oh and then we went to the gym against at 5 in the morning ahah. So I slept like 14 hours in the last 3 days
I do have Bellflower and Real Steel waiting for me though. I’ll probably watch the former tonight.
loading...
loading...
27 Feb 2012, 11:48 pm
You certainly had a busy weekend Castor, I know the feeling although yours sounds productive, I just got drunk and broke my foot. I can’t wait to watch Bellflower, really looking forward to it. Real Steel is nothing more than a popcorn movie but sometimes we all need some mindless entertainment and I did quite enjoy it.
loading...
loading...
28 Feb 2012, 5:08 pm
About Jolie and that leg I found it hilarious how she stuck it out all the time in the attempted to look sexy but she looked horrible, my God someobody should force fed her with some food.
loading...
loading...
28 Feb 2012, 5:22 pm
Oh sorry I didn’t realize this is your review Tom, thank you and yes I definitely will watch this one. I adore Dame Judi Dench
loading...
loading...
28 Feb 2012, 9:59 pm
I know what you mean, Scott. I’ve enjoyed awards season but I want to see what 2012 has to offer, especially all the highly anticipated blockbusters!
Tom, I hadn’t heard of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel until Patel and Dench were on Graham Norton the other week. It’s got a fantastic cast and I think it’s right up my street. Every now and again I like these strong British ensemble cast films. Calendar Girls is one that springs to mind.
loading...
loading...
28 Feb 2012, 10:14 pm
I’m glad to know you enjoyed this one. When I first saw the trailer I had my reservations as well. Even though I enjoy Judi Dench’s performances, I wasn’t too sure about this one. You make me take pause and consider watching it now!
Great post Scott. Thank you for musing the Marigolds!
loading...
loading...