Flash: Three New Movies Worth Recommending

There are three new movies out (two in theaters now and one opening on Friday) that are worth our hearty recommendation. So, without further ado let's get right to them:

1. In The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel a group of British retirees travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel. Less luxurious than its advertisements, the Marigold Hotel nevertheless slowly begins to charm in unexpected ways. This is a coming-of-age story for boomers and it gives us a clue as to how the boomer generation will sign-off: With no small amount of joie de vivre, a bit of leftover rebelliousness, a continuing thirst for love, some whimsy, a surprising adaptability and a reasonably keen intellect. The cast is absolutely first-rate and includes the wonderful Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire) the beautiful Tena Desae and Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, High Dickson, Bill Nighy, Penelope Wilson and Maggi Smith. Do I even have to tell you that Judi Dench and Maggie Smith are superb? And, ohhhh - the colors of India!

2. The Intouchables is a French import (with subtitles) is probably the most significant of the three films I'm mentioning here. (See the trailer above.) This is the true story of a wealthy, physically disabled risk taker, the picture of established French nobility, who lost his wife in an accident and whose world is turned upside down when he hires a young, good-humored, black Muslim ex-con as his caretaker. How's that for an unusual tale? You see, truth really is stranger than fiction. Anyway, the bond bond between these two proves the power and omniscience that a strong personal relationship based on respect, love and friendship can hold over all social and economic differences. And, don't be put off by the fact that this is the story of a someone who's seriously disabled because there's no wallowing in pity amidst this tale; no way. This film is ultimately joyous and the two stars (Francois Cluzet and Omar Sy) give Oscar-worthy performances. In just nine weeks after its release in France in November 2011 this became the second most successful French film of all time (in number of viewers) in the French box office. When you see it (and you must) you'll understand why.

3. Finally, Rock of Ages opens Friday (with a midnight showing tomorrow night) and I can tell you now that it's destined to become the feel-good movie sensation of the summer. Based in the musical of the same name and from the director of Hairspray this film is an all-rockin, all-singin, all-jumpin, all-out sendup of the music of the '80s. You won't soon forget Tom Cruise as a lithe, raunchy, boozy, almost-over-the-hill rock idol with a voracious sexual appetite who merely wants to be loved (sorta). Cruise will astound you. And, the songs just keep coming in this razzle-dazzle story that doesn't have a single, serious idea in its rock-obsessed head. But that's just fine because this is all fun all the time with tongue firmly planted in (the nearest) cheek. You'll be surprised at the casting and that's just one of the movie's charms. But let's just say that Russell Brand, Mary J. Blige and Catherine Zeta-Jones will delight you with their spot on performances. And Diego Boneta and Julianne Hough aren't just great-to-look-at young stars, they're also magnificent entertainers. If you don't enjoy this movie I sentence you to a summer of old Ingmar Bergman flicks with a diet of warm milk and stale bread.