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Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week!

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Starring: Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel, and Maggie Smith
Synopsis: The summer season is a time when you expect loud, star-driven, effects-laden films to dominate the Box Office. And while that’s certainly been the case, there are plenty of other options for viewers as well. One such option is “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” a quiet character study that offers a pleasant alternative to the usual summer fare. It’s also a chance for some veteran actors to shine. The film includes a number of decorated and nominated performers doing what they do best, creating indelible characters in this charming, warm-hearted film. “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” centers on a group of seniors from England that are lured to India by the promise of a luxurious, affordable retirement community. What they find doesn’t exactly match their expectations. This film, directed by John Madden, is a beautiful, charming, and fun character study. The film mixes humor, drama, and a vibrant story to create the kind of movie usually reserved for the fall awards season. And it helps that the cast is loaded with decorated and nominated performers that help create memorable characters and moments. Madden makes the most of his location as well. The film captures life in India — from the hustle and bustle of the city streets — to some of the simple, beautiful aspects of the land. And that environment has a meaningful impact on the characters as well, making it an integral part of the story. The performances are warm and rich as well. Dench is largely the heart of the film, and delivers a beautiful performance as a woman looking for meaning and purpose. Wilkinson also adds heart to the presentation, as his character’s search for a connection from the past is an important inciting incident for the growth of most of the characters. Smith — who’s become a popular fixture from work in projects as far ranging as the “Harry Potter” films and “Downton Abbey” — offers another incredible character here. She offers a beautiful mix of humor and drama. So, too, does Nighy, in a fun role as a man looking to make the most of the time he has left. Patel, who gained fame from 2008’s “Slumdog Millionaire,” offers his best work since that film in the role of Sonny. He does a great job of conveying a range of emotions and, along with Dench, forms the core of the film’s narrative. “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” isn’t your typical summer film, but that’s what makes it a refreshing change of pace. For those looking to escape the monotony of 3D, explosions, and superheroes, this film is a welcome change. And as a bonus, it’s a film with humor, heart, and a good story too.
Rating: PG-13 for sexual content and language.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Men in Black III

Starring: Will Smith, Josh Brolin, Tommy Lee Jones, Emma Thompson, and Jemaine Clement

Synopsis: In 1997, Will Smith launched his next big series with "Men in Black." Five years later, the sequel appeared. Now 10 years after that, we get another installment in the "Men in Black" franchise. But a lot has changed in those 10 years. In 1997 and again in 2002, Smith was Box Office gold. In the intervening period, that hasn't totally been the case. You could say the same for "Men in Black," which feels like an aging franchise from a different era. That's not to say it isn't enjoyable, it's just not the incredible draw it once would have been. In a summer that has seen "The Avengers" shatter Box Office records, everything else feels like a disappointment in comparison. That being said, May has turned out to be a pretty solid start to summer as each of the blockbusters — "The Avengers," "Dark Shadows," "Battleship," and "Men in Black III" — has been solid, enjoyable, and entertaining. That's not the case every year. In this film, Smith's Agent J has to go back in time to save his partner, Agent K, and the rest of the world from a nefarious alien played by Clement. Smith is great in this role, and his natural charisma and humor really helps carry the piece all the way through. Jones has been a perfect foil to him in all three films, but the real break out here is the work of Brolin, channeling his inner Tommy Lee Jones, who is great. He and Smith have an easy chemistry, and he does a great job of slipping into the role of a younger Agent K. The drama, comedy, and action flow seamlessly, and the film moves along at a good clip. It's a somewhat funny send up of the time period — as Agent J travels back to 1969 — and Clement has fun in the villainous alien role. This is a sequel that doesn't just tread on the familiar ground of the series, it expands the world, which makes it feel vibrant in its own way. I also loved the supporting work from Michael Stuhlbarg, who has some funny lines and some great moments. Even though you can easily see the ending coming, it's still an enjoyable ride.

Rating: PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, and brief suggestive content.

Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Friday, June 1 — "Snow White and the Huntsman," "Piranha 3DD"

Friday, June 8 — "Prometheus," "Madagascar 3"

Friday, June 15 — "Rock of Ages," "That's My Boy," "The Woman in the Fifth"

Friday, June 22 — "Brave," "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter," "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World"

Friday, June 29 — "Magic Mike," "Ted," "Madea's Witness Protection"