This Week: “The Avengers” and “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”

Two movies are opening this week, both with all-star powerhouse ensemble casts.  “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” is a cheerful cozy of a film about English retirees living in India, based on the popular novel by Deborah Moggach originally titled “These Foolish Things.”  Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson, and Bill Nighy star with “Downton Abbey’s” Penelope Wilton and “Calendar Girls'” Celia Imrie.  “Slumdog Millionaire’s” Dev Patel plays the idealistic proprietor.

We also have “The Avengers,” which has already broken box office records overseas with a $178 million opening.  The Avengers assembling include Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo takes over from Eric Bana and Edward Norton), Black Widow, and Hawkeye.  Can this bunch of damaged loners take on the mighty villain Loki?  I sure want to see it when they do!  With Joss Whedon writing and directing, it is sure to be smart and innovative.