Follows the new journey of four best friends as they take their book club to Italy for the fun girls’ trip they never had.
This film continues the fun audiences experienced in “Book Club” in 2018, with the story created around four women who enjoy reading books and discussing them together. Their experiences as a group are funny, quirky, warm, and inspiring, and their friendship remains the base for all of their adventures.
In this sequel, “Book Club: The Next Chapter,” the four are forced by the pandemic to hold their meetings virtually, which is the predictable headache experienced by everyone. Robbed of the true significance of being together physically, they jump at that opportunity as soon as openings allow. At this first in-person get-together, Vivian (Jane Fonda) reveals she has finally agreed to marry for the first time, having held off all her life to enjoy the privilege of non-commitment. She sports a dazzling engagement ring, very recently and unexpectedly gifted by her beau, Arthur (Don Johnson).
The idea quickly evolves that their next Book Club meeting should be in Italy, and the excuse behind the idea is a bachelorette party for Vivian. Although each of the four expresses reservations regarding the trip, mainly leaving beaus and the one husband (Craig T. Nelson) behind, they finally agree to take the leap of faith and go. Thus begins a journey of incredible fun and wild mishaps, thoughtful insights, and deep sharing of love and caring.
Often second installments of a very successful film don’t measure up to the original. I don’t know if this one succeeds, but that doesn’t denigrate from the enjoyment experienced in Chapter 2. Yes, the script is lacking and even a bit awkward occasionally, but when Keaton, Fonda, Bergen, and Steenbergen deliver the lines, who cares? Both hilariously funny and intimately meaningful scenes are abundant for sure. The theme of aging and the joys and troubles in that time of life is appreciated and appropriate. The music is fabulous and right on target for the action and ambiance. The last selection, “Mambo Italiano,” as the final scene faded, was perfect and left me and others singing as we left the theatre.
Overall, the storyline is great, the male and female actors are outstanding, the cinematography is breathtaking, and the music is fantastic. You can’t beat that!
Now available on Digital HD, and on Blu-ray™ and DVD July 11th
