As anyone who saw the first movie,
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, can see, most of the characters who are in the sequel returned three years later to make this second movie. Judy and I anxiously awaited its arrival in the theater so we could see it. Last weekend we were two of the mostly white-haired ladies who comprised the audience.
The link under the picture takes you to the Rotten Tomatoes site that confirms what we both felt when we saw it: it's nowhere near as good as the first one. But still... it was lovely to see some of my favorite actors again. Maggie Smith, who is also in Downton Abbey, had some great zingers in this as well. Maybe it's a problem with all sequels. But wait...
Last year I read a book that I truly enjoyed,
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. It is a lighthearted romantic comedy written from the point of view of a man who obviously falls somewhere on the Asperger's Syndrome curve. Don Tillman (the protagonist) was someone who delighted me, and not only me, but Bill Gates as well. He says he gave the book to at least fifty people in
this article on his blog. He also refers in the post to another book, which I just finished yesterday.
The book is entitled
The Rosie Effect and is the sequel to the first book, and I really loved it. I was wary that it wouldn't be as good. I was wrong; I enjoyed this book every bit as much as the first one, maybe even more. In the first book, Don is looking for a wife and designs a 16-page questionnaire to filter out undesirable candidates for the position. Somehow he runs into Rosie, who doesn't even pass the first question. But in hilarious fashion, they end up falling in love and getting married. In this sequel, Rosie becomes pregnant, and Don must take up the Baby Project. So just because a book or a movie is a sequel to an enjoyed first edition does not mean it's not good. But it's not necessarily what you might have expected. If you read the Rosie Project and enjoyed it, I think you will enjoy this one, too.
:-)
didn't even know that 'exotic' was a sequel. shows you how off the movie track i am these years! :)
ReplyDeleteI loved The Rosie Project. I started The Rosie Effect and got side-tracked. I will get back to it, but I don't (yet) love it.
ReplyDeleteSequels are very much a mixed blessing aren't they?
Thanks for the review of the movie. I am a huge Judi Dench fan but was not overwhelmed by the first one. I may just skip this one.
ReplyDeleteI could have sworn that I had the Rosie Project on my Kindle but I don't. I will check the library for it. Thanks again.
Peter and I just came from "The Second Best." Not as good as the first, but enjoyable anyway, we decided. (But who decided to make Dev Patel's character such a whiner this time?)
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the book sequel, too.
Saw the Second Marigold this evening. You are right, not as good as the first, but an enjoyable viewing anyway.
ReplyDeleteI was looking forward to seeing this second sequel, mainly because I love all the characters....you've got to love a 'Dame'....right.
ReplyDeleteMaggie Smith has become my favorite actress !
~Jo
Yes. Rosie's project sounds pretty funny. I'm going to have to find some lighter reading material.
ReplyDeleteI was looking forward to the Second Marigold Hotel too, and then I saw the reviews were not so good. We may wait for the DVD.
ReplyDeleteI added those books to my list. I may get to them someday.
i did not know there was a first movie...interesting, i will have to look that up...we were intrigued by the actors...
ReplyDeletethe rosie project sounds like an interesting book as well...might have to check that out as well...
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ReplyDeleteWonderful! More books to add to my must read list. Did you see the Grand Budapest Hotel? What a wild ride it is!
ReplyDeleteHmm...I may have to check out that book you mentioned. And I agree, sequels are usually not as good as the originals.
ReplyDeleteI've heard the same thing about the Second Best... What a shame. I really loved the first Marigold Hotel. Thank you very much for the recommendation about Rosie. I've just put it on hold at our public library for my Kindle.
ReplyDeleteI loved the Rosie Project. Didn't realize there was a sequel.
ReplyDeleteI don't like remakes of the old classics either...but that is just me. I am trying to think of a movie lately on Netflix that I didn't fall asleep half way through. I fall asleep through Call the Midwife but the screaming usually wakes me up:)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the first film too but I am not called to see the sequel. The book looks interesting.
ReplyDeleteI truly enjoyed the first Marigold and may check out the second. Mostly, it seems to be that the sequels or seconds n thirds are never as good.Call the Midwife and Land Girls just keep getting better. I have very much enjoyed both the English Version and American Version of the House of Cards. Have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteI'm eager to read these books now- thanks for the review. I loved Marigold Hotel #1 so I'll see the second because of Judi Dench and Maggie Smith.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteKind of figured the sequel wouldn't be as good, but I will watch it regardless because of the actors. The books sound interesting, too.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how some series get better as they go along. I think it is usually because you've become invested in really well written and acted characters. At least that is the way it is for me. ;)
I really enjoyed the first one and was hoping the 2nd one would be just as good or better. But, I agree, so rarely is a sequel up to standard. I think we expect too much.
ReplyDeleteNow the books sound hilarious. I'm gonna have to remember them.
Oh, and DJ....LOVE the sunshine weekend you posted previously. Looks like a piece of heaven on earth.
Must admit I enjoyed the 2nd Exotic Marigold Hotel. Maybe not as good as the first one but still an enjoyable watch.
ReplyDeleteSome of my favorite actresses there....:)
ReplyDeleteI'm putting The Rosie Project on my reading list. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your review. My sis saw the movie last week, but I haven't heard what she thought of it. I will want to see it because of the actresses.
ReplyDeleteI've not read The Rosie Project. I will have to put it on my list. Thanks.