The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Director: John Madden

Starring: Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Maggie Smith, Penelope Wilton, Celia Imrie, Ronald Pickup, Dev Patel

Distributed By: 20th Century Fox/Fox Searchlight

Release Date: February 2012

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Easily one of my favourite movies of 2012, a superb cast cosy up to the idea that retiring in Britain isn't all it’s cracked up to be and decide to head for sunnier climes in India.
I love the small scenes as we first meet the ensemble cast and see their reasons for making this life-changing decision.
Each character is very different and Judi Dench's character Evelyn lets the audience experience what she is seeing; a noisy, vibrant, beautiful and somewhat crazy city that will test them all in various ways, the film also looks gorgeous and the dialogue sparkles as the characters start to get to know each other.
Judi Dench is wonderful and plays Evelyn with charming subtlety whilst Celia Imrie's Madge is straight to the point and has some very funny lines, as does Ronald Pickup's Norman.
Maggie Smith's Muriel is quite hilarious as she displays a complete fish out of water persona and I love her scenes with Seema Azmi's Anokhi, the maid she befriends.
Penelope Wilton is very good at making Jean annoyingly stuffy, but I love the contrast in her relationship with long suffering husband Douglas, who is such a nice and optimistic guy, brilliantly performed by Bill Nighy in one of my favourite film roles for him to date.
Tom Wilkinson also gives a lovely performance as Graham which is quite touching.
Dev Patel is truly brilliant as Sonny as he 'sells' the hotel for all its worth and you can't help but be swept up by his enthusiasm and charm. I also really like Tena Desae as Sonny's girlfriend Sunaina and his Mother played by Lillete Dubey.
Not only is this a sweet, funny and moving film with an amazing cast, it's the wonderful script that completely drew me in and it really is a pleasure to spend 2 hours watching these characters and experience a small piece of India just for yourself.
Beautiful, inspiring and heartfelt, watch this to lift your spirits and sooth your soul.
~~Nikki~~

Enchanted

Director: Kevin Lima

Starring: Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Idina Menzel, Rachel Covey, Timothy Spall, Susan Sarandon

Distributed By: Walt Disney Pictures

Release Date: October/November 2007

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This brings all the optimistic and enthusiastic qualities inherent in Disney's many animated movies to infuse the live-action beautifully!
It's lovely to see the animation at the beginning and it all feels like very familiar territory, but as Giselle enters our world the fun really begins.
Amy Adams is truly a joy to watch as she plays the perfect princess complete with a huge billowy dress, also her ability to create new outfits takes some beating!
I love her honesty and absolute belief in true love as she discovers that our world is a much more cynical place!
Patrick Dempsey is really likable as Robert as he tries to figure out whether Giselle is who she claims to be and the scenes with Giselle and Robert's daughter are fun to watch.
My favourite scene is as Giselle uses her charming singing voice to entice the wildlife to lend a helping hand - New York style! I also love the street parade as Giselle sings "That's How You Know" which is beautiful and memorable.
James Marsden almost steals the film from Amy with his larger than life performance as Prince Edward; he really looks the part and brings such enthusiasm to every scene!
Timothy Spall makes Nathaniel wonderfully inept as he tries to carry out the Evil Queen's wishes and Pip is quite adorable, even though he can't say much!
Susan Sarandon brings malice into Queen Narissa's heart and her scenes are infused with contempt for the lover's fate and the world in general, she looks amazing and her transformation is pretty cool too!
There are some lovely songs throughout and the story is uplifting and romantic and many of the Disney Princesses traits can be glimpsed in Amy Adams' performance.
This is ultimately a movie that makes you smile and warms the heart!
~~Nikki~~