Overview: The highly anticipated sequel follows our four best friends as they take their book club to Italy for the fun girls trip they never had.

When things go off the rails and secrets are revealed, their relaxing vacation turns into a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country adventure.

Blu-ray Verdict: This sequel to the 2018 romantic comedy reunites the four lifelong friends Viv (Jane Fonda), Diane (Diane Keaton), Sharon (Candice Bergen) and Carol (Mary Steenburgen) who revamped their reading habits and autumn years by tackling Fifty Shades of Grey in their monthly book group.

Five years and a pandemic later, the ladies reconvene to learn that Viv has finally agreed to get married. Accompanied by a Wall’s Viennetta of a score composed of synthetic, Italian-flavored easy listening, the chums soak up the culture of Rome, Venice and Tuscany by the bottle.

But without knocking it as a whole, the writing in this chocolate-box travelogue of a sequel is even lazier than that of the first film, with much cackling innuendo and sparkly narcissism, a couple of clumsily engineered long-distance domestic crises and interminable heartfelt speeches that made me cringe so hard I nearly dislocated my spine.

But, as aforementioned, with that said, Book Club: The Next Chapter is a heartfelt and moving movie that follows the characters on a trip to Italy as they enter the next stage in their lives and reaffirm their friendship. Directed by Bill Holderman from a screenplay he co-wrote with Erin Simms, it is fluff, but if you’re willing to go along for the ride, it will occasionally pull on the heartstrings and serve as a beautiful travel commercial for Italy.

It has no major conflict and lingers for longer than needed which means Book Club: The Next Chapter is a 107 minute long film and rated PG-13 for some strong language and suggestive material. It features an extremely appealing cast and a fabulous location, with story beats that keep it going. The writing is breezy and touching, with the cast imbuing the film with their charm and lovely chemistry.

Indeed, the film will make you feel like you’re reuniting with old friends for some wine and life lessons. Book Club: The Next Chapter is a lighthearted film with good company, lovely interactions, and breathtaking views of Rome and Venice. It could have used more comedy, but Bergen’s comedic timing is enough to carry it through.

However, there are certain points in the film that are ridiculous, and it would have been better if there was more humor beyond Bergen’s singular line delivery to keep it afloat at those times. But, one can clearly see that the whole cast is having a blast, and thus it makes us want to join them on their journey.

Bonus Features:
Book Club: Back in Session
Still Stylish
The Women in Italy