Most films nowadays are made for the younger cinema-goer. The louder,faster and more explosions you have generally means profit. Plot,characterisation and good acting are often only found in smaller independent movies.
For someone who loved intelligent, well-made and interesting films the period between January and April is both the best and most frustrating time of the year. This is awards season and the contenders are generally released now to maximise the publicity which often means I miss films that fit my requirements, while the remainder of the year is filled with disapppointing blockbusters and remakes.
The success of "The King's Speech" last year proved that the " greying cinema-goers" can be lured to the mutli-plexes if they are ensured of a good fun, enjoyable night.This is the audience that "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" is targetting. Early on director John Madden played his trump card with a small scene showing the stellar cast sitting quietly in the airport. We could then relax and sit back we were in safe hands.
The premise was seven ageing disillusioned Brits moving to India to enjoy a better retirement or moperation than they wouild receive in their homeland.Naturally, their arrival at their chosen destination was not as idyllic as they had expected.
The stories that befall our ex-pats reveal no great surprises but the reasons for seeing this film are the director and the cast. John Madden, Oscar nominated for " Shakespeare In Love" knows how to tell a story and make his stars look good. When you see the list of names involved, Dench, Smith, Nighy, Wilton, Imrie, Pickup and Wilton you wonder how they are all going to get a reasonable amount of screen time.
Writer Ol Parker ( based on Deborah Moggach's novel) ensured that no-one was short-changed though as you woukd expect Judi Dench took central stage and brought an air of class to proceedings. The other all played supporting roles though Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson and Celia Ikmrie provided unexpectedly subtle performances. Credit must also go to Dev Patel who in a major role refuses to be over-awed by his illustrious co-stars and more than holds his own.
As you would expect there is an up-beat endng and we all come away having a thoroughly enjoyable ending and a desire for a curry. No, surprises but with such a great cast who cares. Oh and great music from Thomas Newman.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment