Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

“Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” was written by O.L. Parker and is based on the novel “These Foolish Things” by Deborah Moggach. The cast is a ‘who’s who” of seasoned British talent starring Tom Wilkinson, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Bill Nighby and needs the full 2 hours and 20 minutes of time it takes to merge these fine thespians into the plots and subplots that Director Madden so nicely paces. The story of senior citizens relocating to a hopefully better and more meaningful life transcends the location although Jaipur, India is where this all takes place. Predictable in many respects and adorning its “feel good” halo, the film nevertheless holds our interest and involvement despite its length. Putting aside the rehashed jokes that make their way into the film every so often, there are moments of profundity that those of us eligible for AARP membership will appreciate and understand. Perhaps that is why the film works. I give the film 3 stars. Hopefully its commercial success will bring about the production of more such films where those in our demographic category will have better fare to choose from when we decide to go to the movies. After all, time is running out and as Ms. Smith’s character recites: “I don’t even buy green bananas”.