In 2018 Bill Holderman introduced me to the pure delight that is Book Club. Five years later he’s reunited the ladies in a new, international adventure Book Club: The Next Chapter. I couldn’t wait to see what shenanigans Candice Bergen, Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, and Mary Steenburgen got into this time around. Snacks at hand I settled into my seat at my local theater ready to be entertained.
No point in dragging it out, Book Club: The Next Chapter is not the delightful sequel I hoped.
The first half of this one hour forty-seven-minute comedy is a letdown.
The humor is subpar at best with few of the jokes landing. The chemistry between the characters is lacking. The story just lies there lifeless. Other than my snacks the only saving grace that kept me watching is the absolutely beautiful cinematography that makes for a gorgeous travel log and the terrific soundtrack of jaunty tunes that not only had me bobbing along and seat dancing but brought the bonus of being done in Italian. Always fun to hear familiar pop tunes in another language.
On a positive note, halfway through the film, Book Club: The Next Chapter does find its footing and rhythm and the movie clicks, finishing strong. Like a flick of a switch, the heart, humor, and characters pulled me in and I found myself completely entertained and engaged. I suddenly cared about what was happening and was invested in the story. While the conclusion is predictable it’s nonetheless satisfying and had me wanting to see more of these characters going forward.
Only wish it hadn’t taken half the movie to get there.
Book Club: The Next Chapter isn’t a film I can recommend you take the time or make the effort to see at the theater, unless you want to see the scenery. It’s definitely a stream from home on a lazy day viewing. If you do so, be sure to watch the first half of the credit roll for all the behind-the-scenes photos. Those are fun and even feature an unexpected famous face.
Book Club: The Next Chapter gets a 5.5 from me.
#bookclubnext chapter
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