Where to Get Your Old-People-Having-Fun Movie Fix

Attention, movie studios: If you want me to see a movie of yours, all you need to say is one of two things: either a) "it's basically just food porn," or b) "it's all about old people." In my mind, there's very little better in a movie than than delicious-looking, lovingly prepared food (see: Julie & Julia; It's Complicated; Chef), or grandparents living our their younger-self dreams (see: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Philomena; Something's Gotta Give). A movie that combines both of those? That's a dream come true, and it's name is The Hundred-Foot Journey .

If you're one of those strange people who don't actively seek out AARP-aimed/food porn movies months in advance, The Hundred-Foot Journey is a dramedy about an Indian family in France who opens up a restaurant across the street from a fancy French eatery owned by the haughty Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren). Judging from the trailer, Journey, out Aug. 8, is a mix of gorgeous food and sassy old people. In other words, I will be buying my ticket as soon as possible.

I am a bit concerned, however. Reviews for Journey are far from wonderful, with the general consensus seems to be that it's predictable and dull. "Stuffed with false sentiment and forced whimsy and starved for real delight," said The New York Times. "Colorful locales and exotic spices can’t hide its essential blandness," said The Hollywood Reporter. "Basically a promo reel for small-town France and Gallo-Indian food fusion," said The Washington Post (although hey, that doesn't sound too bad to me). Unfortunately, it seems that despite all its promise, The Hundred-Foot Journey just isn't that great a film.

And if this was any other day, I'd be hugely disappointed. Today, though, is not any other day, because on Friday morning, the trailer for The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was released to the world. For those unfamiliar, the first Marigold, released in 2012, was a superbly delightful (and food porn-filled) film about elderly people's stay at a run-down hotel in India. The cast included Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, and basically every other famous British actor over 60, and while the general theme was predictable (grumpy old people learn to relax, let love in, etc.), Marigold was great fun, not to mention a box office smash. With that kind of success, a sequel was no surprise, and judging from the trailer, The Second looks like it could be just as enjoyable as the first.

So fear not, those who, like me, need an old-people-eating-great-food movie fix every now and then. The Hundred-Foot Journey may not be our answer, but the trailer for The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel works just fine. And while it's still seven long months until the latter movie hits theaters, the preview will certainly help to speed things up. Or, if nothing else, just watch Philomena again. Now that's a good movie.

Watch the Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel trailer below:

Image: Dreamworks