The 2018 comedy “Book Club” had a simple, big-boned plot. Four long-time friends (Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen) power up their sexual prowess as they gasp and mock the bestseller “Fifty.” Shades of gray. At some point during the brainstorming for Book Club: The Next Chapter, returning director Bill Holderman and co-writer Erin Sims must have decided it was okay to drop the book gimmick. With such a lovable cast, who cares what they’re reading? This sequel opens with a canonical quote from “The Alchemist,” where author Paulo Coelho, when asked, murmurs about how he embraces his fate. But that’s just a spaghetti excuse for a frantic adventure across Italy with his companions, with no time to open a paperback.
Andy Garcia as Keaton, Don Johnson as Fonda, Craig T. Nelson as Steenbergen, and Bergen, the hilarious MVP of the series, invited more gentlemen into the backseat of the car than Uber drivers. Screentime is cluttered with bizarre and meaningless accidents (luggage theft, tire blowouts, nasty cops, and other trivial happenings). Just knowing the cast so well gives this fluff some emotional weight. When Keaton says, “I got that perm in 1982,” staring at Lohmann’s bust and cracks, we yell out that in fact, at the 1978 Oscars, she was in “Annie Hall.” I want to say it resembles her hairstyle when she won the award. Then, during a tipsy shopping montage, find her dream dress—a wide belt, a black sequined turtleneck, and a frilly polka-dot skirt—before she wears it, and enjoy her trying it on. I waited for
An effective literary device is double-minded. Women roam Rome, Venice, and Tuscany, bashing erotic innocence about meatballs, fanny packs, hip replacements, knee replacements, and even the phrase “I made pasta on a boat.” increase. It’s not sweet and it’s salty. When Fonda, who plays her newly engaged hotelier, tours the church where the wedding is scheduled with Bergen’s foul-mouthed character on her speakerphone, you think the priest will kick her out. Predict half. (He seems to be considering it.)
The movie reaches its best when nothing significant is happening on screen. Women guzzle prosecco. they joke. They are loved by all, including the young guys who ride speeding mopeds and force themselves to turn the pages of the only book that matters: the English-Italian dictionary. At one point, Steenbergen held up an accordion and sang Laura Branigan’s “Gloria” at karaoke. With four Oscars, six Emmys, and 13 Golden Globes to share, the leads have nothing left to prove beyond their charismatic value.
Compare this sequel and its spiritual companion, 80 for Brady (released earlier this year, also co-starring Fonda) to the generic tough-guy B-movie that has captivated many male actors of its generation. How interesting it is to While the men are brandishing revolvers, the women are embracing the old “Road to …” series models of Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. It’s not a dynamic movie (and it’s not justifiably good either). It’s simply a face we enjoy and enjoy. The hangover only kicks in when the film fuels false suspense over a half-baked climax. As we continue to drag this fuss toward resolution, we want to cut it off and run away. If you want a third movie, let the cast chug wine in real time.
Book Club: The Next Chapter
PG-13 designation for reference to despicable meatballs. Running time: 1 hour 47 minutes. at the theater.
