OL PARKER

A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS (2021)
Starring Kristen Wiig, Michiel Huisman, Maggie Smith, Sally Hawkins, Jim Broadbent, Toby Jones, Rune Temte, Zoe Colletti and Indica Watson. Directed by Gil Kenan.

An ordinary young boy called Nikolas sets out on an extraordinary adventure into the snowy north in search of his father who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of the elves, Elfhelm. Taking with him a headstrong reindeer called Blitzen and a loyal pet mouse, Nikolas soon meets his destiny in this magical, comic and endearing story that proves nothing is impossible…

REVIEWS A Boy Called Christmas - A Santa origin story with all the British charm (and Kristen Wiig?)

THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (2015)
Starring Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel, Penelope Wilton, Celia Imrie, Tamsin Greig and Richard Gere. Directed by John Madden.

The expansionist dream of Sonny, who has more claims on his time than he has available, considering his imminent marriage to the love of his life, Sunaina. Sonny has his eye on a promising property now that his first venture, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for the Elderly and Beautiful, has only a single remaining vacancy – posing a rooming predicament for fresh arrivals Guy and Lavinia. Evelyn and Douglas have now joined the Jaipur workforce, and are wondering where their regular dates for Chilla pancakes will lead, while Norman and Carol are negotiating the tricky waters of an exclusive relationship, as Madge juggles two eligible and very wealthy suitors. Perhaps the only one who may know the answers is newly installed co-manager of the hotel, Muriel, the keeper of everyone's secrets. As the demands of a traditional Indian wedding threaten to engulf them all, an unexpected way forward presents itself.

REVIEWS The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - Comfortingly familiar