Review- Book Club: The Next Chapter

The Book Club movie started with a bang. When we last saw the hilarious and fierce foursome of bookish friends, they bonded over Fifty Shades of Grey. The book made these comedy veterans break out of their shells and embrace a new lifestyle. Now, five years and one pandemic later, Vivian (Jane Fonda), Carol (Mary SteenBurgen), Sharon (Candice Bergen), and Diane (Diane Keaton) are ready for a new adventure, and this time they find themselves overseas for a bachelorette party in Italy.

In the first Book Club film, the group’s actions were based on what was happening in the book they were reading. This new chapter is influenced by the book The Alchemist. With the exception of a few lines referenced, the movie veers away from the plot of the book and finds its own story to tell. Which, in a way, is good, but when the titular title of your film revolves around the book the friends are reading, it really feels like they missed the mark on this one.

Vivian announces her engagement to her friends, and they use her path to a happy ending to finally take the trip of their dreams and go to Italy. While the film may be a series of mishaps and lacks an actual conflict, it’s just a fun time. These are four superstars of comedy. They know their craft well, and they know how to garner a laugh. There may be some over-the-top moments, but it works. The jokes toe the line of being too crude, but these women are professionals and know how to navigate a joke. Because of their sheer wit, it makes a joke that would fall flat soar. Will this be an award contender? Absolutely not. Will you have a blast watching it? Yes!

Strong female friendships are the core of this movie. It also proves you can still be fun, flirty, and sexy well past your 60s. Often Hollywood puts women out to pasture once they reach a certain age. These ladies are taking their narrative back and showing there are still some stories that need to be told. Sure, they’re not action heroes, and the plot may be predictable, but nothing beats a genuinely fun and funny movie. The best part is Book Club: The Next Chapter is out just in time for Mother’s Day. And I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the woman in your life than with a bunch of strong, hilarious, and gorgeous women.