Book Club: The Next Chapter
Focus FeaturesWhile many might claim that the adult comedy genre is in a state of suffering and decline, the occasional undeniable success will be found proving that there still is interest out there. One of these modern successes was Bill Holderman's 2018 film: Book Club. Following four older women who discover needed lessons for their individual situations via their book club, which is in the process of reading E. L. James' Fifty Shades of Grey. Earning $100 million at the box office, it came as no surprise when work began on a sequel. Book Club: The Next Chapter picks up with the four friends making it through the COVID-19 pandemic and deciding to take a trip to Italy which serves as a Bachelorette party for Vivian (Jane Fonda) who recently got engaged despite her traditional desire for freedom. While in Italy, the girls go on various adventures in what immediately becomes one of the best comedies of the year.
Right from the start, even with the opening taking place over staged Zoom calls, the chemistry felt between the 4 leads is undeniable. One can feel when friendships transfer to off-screen and when they do not; these four clearly have that love for each other even when the cameras stop rolling. Composed of Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen, each of these characters is given incredibly distinct personalities that play well in their own segments yet play even better when paired with the others. This is a wonderful lead ensemble and much of the film's best moments come from their natural ability to play off of one another. While all four are noteworthy, special props should be given to Bergen who steals the show with some of the funniest line deliveries of recent memory.
The filmmaking behind the feature complements this energy. Rather than treating the production like trash as so many filmmakers in this role might, Bill Holderman brings a wonderful hand to keeping the product professional and effective without taking itself too seriously. While the film embraces the natural comedic pattern of these women in its pacing and movement, the film also embraces the deeper emotions found within their characters with moments of genuine charm and poignance. The film has the unique ability to transfer from a comedic scene of Steenburgen playing the accordion to Laura Branigan’s Gloria to genuinely beautiful discussions of life around a stunning dinner at a private cooking school in Venice. These two elements carry incredibly different weights yet the film knows how to flow between these identities. Bill Holderman clearly has a love for these characters and these films which brings a core authenticity that is needed for projects of this nature. Speaking of technical craft, the work of Stefano De Nardis as costume designer for the film needs to be appreciated. Fashion is often a focal idea within the film and the work delivered is memorably strong.
The biggest faults within the film are the more traditional faults of the genre. The story is not predictably engaging or shocking with the ending being predictable from the early stages of the narrative. While one might not be able to predict every individual action and step of the journey, the film struggles to surprise in its bigger emotional beats even when it takes conscious action to add some twists and turns. The only area where this really can begin to bother is the final act where the film continues to delay an event the audience has already been aware of and has actively been waiting for to the point where it can begin to feel somewhat drawn out. Still, for most of the runtime, this is far from enough to ruin any of the features. One does not go to a film like Book Club: The Next Chapter for Shakespearean drama that tests the morals of humanity itself, one goes to Book Club: The Next Chapter for innocent and heartfelt fun which the film delivers on excellently.
For those who enjoyed the first film and have found joy in the genre, Book Club: The Next Chapter is an immediate recommendation. Largely thanks to the heart of the cast, and Bill Holderman, the film delivers on every area that it should. Even if the film is predictable, it is still effective and becomes the next great entry in the genre.
