Maggie Smith

There are hints of understated charm and elegance sprinkled throughout The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Moments when two people, battered and bruised by life, share some genuine insight about the human condition. Unfortunately, those moments are lost amid a frenzy of unnecessary storylines and cartoonish complications. It’s a treat to see these veteran actors playing off each other, but you’re better off staying at a different hotel.

Downton Abbey, Season 4, Episode 8 Directed by Jon East Written by Julian Fellowes Aired Sunday at 9 pm on PBS Downton Abbey concludes yet another season of ups and downs with a pretty even-keeled finale.  Like the end of Season 3, the events of this special happen mostly away from the titular residence, but …

Quartet Directed by Dustin Hoffman Written by Ronald Harwood (play and screenplay) U.K., 2012 In the directorial debut from legendary actor Dustin Hoffman, Quartet, there is a character named Cissy (Pauline Collins) who, in one of the film’s many moments of levity, quotes an old friend by saying that old age is not for sissies. …

Over the last decade, the Scottsdale International Film Festival (SIFF) has grown impressively, starting in 2001 with just 11 films. When the 12th annual event kicks off on October 5th, SIFF will have 38 films and 69 screenings, with special guests such as director Josh Dragotta and actress Angel Walker (in town to present their …

**Spoilers ahead** Set in the early 20th Century, Downton Abbey is well situated to tackle a variety of gender themes. It is early enough that women’s rights were largely absent, still a vigorous source for dramatic conflict, yet it is late enough that the debate is active and open. In this way it can make …