Pokemon Detective Pikachu (2019)

Rob Letterman took big risks that mostly paid off. I didn't know at first how to feel about the 3D Pokemon, rendered in CGI. But I quickly acclimated to all but Mr Mime. Mr Mime is freaky. But Pikachu is adorable. Ryan Reynolds will forever be known for his sublime voice work as Deadpool and Pikachu. I would have been on board if Pikachu decided to curse a bit. But even the voice was just enough to evoke the comedy of Deadpool. The story is mediocre but the nostalgia mixed with Ryan Reynolds makes for an enjoyable time.

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015)

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is not as good as the first, a little less charming. The first was a pleasant surprise that did well with an ensemble cast of older British actors, meriting a sequel.  The premise of the movie mirrors the success of the franchise; having done well with the first hotel, they are seeking to build a second hotel.  The focus is less on the exotic nature of India than it is on the new lives these retirees are building for themselves, complete with jobs and new love interests.  There is a detour in Mumbai, giving the audience a change of scenery from Jaipur, but we see little of the majesty of Mumbai.  The movie is really more character driven than the first, which is why it loses some of its charm.  With characters as old as these, death looms over the hotel, with constant reminders that time is limited.  Naturally, the best part of the movie, as with most Indian-themed movies, is the dancing scene towards the end.  Indian music and dance is so much fun to watch, especially Richard Gere trying to do Bollywood.