Get ready for a delightful Mother’s Day treat with the release of the highly anticipated sequel, Book Club: The Next Chapter. This time, Focus Features brings together four iconic movie stars – Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen – who captivated audiences in the surprise hit, Book Club, back in 2017. With the success of the first film, it became clear that older female viewers were eager for a night out at the movies, given the right concept and cast. However, the pandemic disrupted moviegoing habits for this demographic. But fear not, because these incredible actresses, all over 70 years old, are back and ready to prove that age is just a number. And what better way to do it than with a trip to Italy? This early summer confection is sure to be irresistible to an often overlooked audience.
, What makes this film even more appealing is the strong connection these four talented actresses have with their target audience. The comedy in Book Club: The Next Chapter is heartfelt and genuine, never talking down to its viewers. Instead, it uplifts them and reminds them that age should never limit one’s potential for greatness. In the first film, they found common ground through a sexy book, “Fifty Shades Of Grey,” which provided plenty of laughs. This time, the book club meets virtually over Zoom, collectively reading and discussing Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist.” It’s a novel that perfectly aligns with the themes the returning director, producer, and co-writer Bill Holderman and his team want to convey. While the story begins during the pandemic, it quickly moves past that, showing these characters ready for a new chapter in their lives.
, As we delve deeper into the story, we discover that Diane (Diane Keaton) is now living with her boyfriend Mitchell (Andy Garcia) after being widowed. Vivian (Jane Fonda), the eternal single hotel magnate, has finally decided to tie the knot with Arthur, a boyfriend from her past. Sharon (Candice Bergen), a retired Federal Judge, is seeking some excitement in her life. And Carol (Mary Steenburgen), who recently experienced marital troubles with her husband Bruce (Craig T. Nelson), is helping him recover from a heart attack. Carol comes up with the idea of a bachelorette trip to Italy, a long-awaited vacation they had planned in their college days but never got to take. And so, the adventure begins, filled with hilarious complications and comedic moments that follow these American women across Rome and Venice. The sightseeing alone is worth the price of admission, and while this movie may not reinvent the genre, it’s a heartwarming experience that showcases the enduring talent of these veteran stars.
Of course, there’s also romance in the air as the male stars make their return, including Andy Garcia, Don Johnson, and Craig T. Nelson (we won’t spoil how). Additionally, new characters add to the excitement, with Carol rekindling her relationship with Chef Gianni (Vincent Riotta), the one who got away, and Bergen exploring the tourist spots with the lively Ousmane (Hugh Quarshie). Italian icon Giancarlo Giannini also makes an appearance as the police chief they keep encountering. While Book Club: The Next Chapter may not be as wild as Girls Trip, it offers a refreshing alternative to the superhero and horror films dominating the multiplex. It’s a film that will be cherished by your mother and grandmother, just like another recent Fonda comedy, 80 For Brady, which defied expectations.
Title: Book Club: The Next Chapter
Release Date: May 12, 2023
Distributor: Focus Features
Director: Bill Holderman
Screenplay/Producers: Bill Holderman, Erin Simms
Cast: Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, Mary Steenburgen, Andy Garcia, Don Johnson, Craig T. Nelson, Giancarlo Giannini, Vincent Riotta, Hugh Quarshie.
Rating: PG13
Running Time: 1 hour and 47 minutes
