'The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' is a 2015 British comedy-drama film directed by John Madden and written by Ol Parker. It is the sequel to the 2012 sleeper hit film, 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' and features an ensemble cast featuring: Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Celia Imrie, Penelope Wilton, Ronald Pickup, Diana Hardcastle, Tamsin Greig, Tena Desae, Dev Patel, Lillete Dubey, David Strathairn and Richard Gere.

OK, now you know what this delightful soundtrack score is for, let's get down to what twelve-time Academy Award Nominee, composer Thomas Newman has been able to bring to the sound scape. Everything, is the answer!

Newman has composed the scores for many other notable films, including American Beauty, Skyfall, Erin Brockovich, The Good German, Finding Nemo and even Wall-E for Pixar. Newman's vibrant and inspirational score though for 'The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' is - for my money - head and shoulders above a) a lot he's done before, and b) the original for the first film!

Masterfully evoking the Indian musical textures of Bollywood, ensuring an elegant and delightful musical journey for both those watching and listening (at home) - Newman's musical touches on this soundtracks core are deft, seamless and alluring.

In the two 'Marigold' films, Newman's group of collaborators expanded to include some extraordinary Indian players and vocal soloists, creating musical and cultural synthesis that has produced two ravishing and interlocking scores. Again, and as much as they are seamless in their atmospheric and thrillingly fun sounds, I still believe that this second installment has the edge. But that's just me, why don't you buy them both and find out for yourselves!

Reviewed by: Russell A. Trunk