The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Directed by: John Madden Starring: Tom Wilkinson, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel Rating: Not Yet Rated Release Date: March 9, 2012
TRAILER SCORE: 6/10
Thoughts by TSR: Wow, great cast! Judi Dench and Bill Nighy have always impressed me with their charisma and acting ability, as well as with which projects they take on -- this speaks well to this film's credit. Flashing a credit to director John Madden doesn't hurt either (Shakespeare in Love, The Debt). Also a pleasure to see Slumdog Millionaire's Dev Patel -- I was wondering where/when he'd crop up next. Maggie Smith and Tom Wilkinson, enter two more heavyweights. So that's all fine and good, but I must say, this looks to be a film aimed at the elderly -- I don't mean that as a slight at all, it just does. The pacing, the feel-good music, the droll stabs of humor placed sparingly amidst beautifully shot India, this is the kind of film (or trailer) that appeals to the calmer half of society, the aged, the experienced, the wise, the retired, the winding down. All things considered, this is a well-put-together trailer, but I found myself surprised at how slowly it developed. I imagine this has to do with my aforementioned slant of demographic -- and if so, then well done trailer-makers. Great stuff, for whom I'm assuming it's aimed at, but I got a little bored, if I'm honest.