Planning on heading to the cinema over the weekend? Well let the Moncrieff show's Movies & Booze reviewer Sue Murphy steer you in the right direction.
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The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Director – John Madden
Cast – Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith, Richard Gere, Dev Patel
From some films we expect greatness and originality but on occasion, it’s nice to be able to turn to a film you can depend on, like a warm pair of slippers. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was just that kind of film. Brimming with heart and good dialogue, the fairly mediocre film wormed itself into people’s hearts with the casting of some of the most familiar and best faces on the silver screen, Judi Dench and Maggie Smith among them.
The previous film introduced us to the characters of Evelyn, Douglas and Muriel who were among a number of British retirees who decided to permanently move to the haphazard Exotic Marigold Hotel in India. Things didn’t get off to the best of starts but by the time we left our friends, they had embarked on a new life together.
The second film basically picks up from where the other film ended, the relationships have pretty much continued as before except for Evelyn (Dench) and Douglas (Nighy) who appear to be in a relationship without necessarily being in a relationship. While their relationship continues to develop, Sonny, the charming hotel owner, has decided he wants to give his future bride everything she deserves and expand his business. However, this is much easier said than done.
Like the first film, the second is just as charming. The script, penned by Ol Parker, is the real winner here and develops the characters a lot more than the first instalment. The script gives this cast, who are some of the finest working in film, the room to manoeuvre and explore their roles.
India itself has never looked more beautiful and inviting and for the most part, you will just feel like you are in the company of some very good friends. The film also puts forward the case that life is far from over when you reach a certain age and you can still go on living.
It won’t change your life but it’s still a lovely way to spend some time.
Focus
Director: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
Cast: Will Smith, Margot Robbie
There is always an expectation when you go into see a con film that you will in fact be conned. In fact, you should be able to depend on it, otherwise why buy the ticket? However, the 'con' film has been reinvented so many times it has now gotten to a point where you will definitely have seen some of those plotlines before. Even if you haven’t, you will most certainly know who or what to suspect. So what else can filmmakers work on - the drama, a love element, making it look more stylish? That’s where Focus steps in.
The film is pretty straight forward. Smith plays con man Nicky, a grifter so talented he has somehow invited the intentions of one of the most beautiful women in the world, Jess, played by Margot Robbie. Jess has decided that she wants to be taught by the best but when she and Nicky develop a romantic relationship, things don’t go exactly to plan - with Nicky dumping her. Three years later, the pair meets again with Nicky desperate to win her back. But is he trying to win her back because he loves her or is she a major part in the biggest con he has planned to date?
Focus suffers from lack of focus, ironically enough. The script is all over the place, as is the storyline, although no one can ignore the fact that it is perhaps the most stylish film you will see this year. The performances are fine. It’s kind of refreshing to watch Will Smith actually act as opposed to making an idiot of himself for two hours and making an idiot of his son. Margot Robbie is just luminous, she lights up the entire screen every time she makes an appearance and she draws all of the attention to her on a constant basis.
However, the con isn’t exactly the greatest wool-pulling in the world. You will most definitely see it coming a mile off way before the reveal. That doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have some fun along the way.
