Have you ever dreamed of going on a big trip with your besties? Or, better yet, have you actually gone on that trip and it was full of great adventures and fun? Either way, you’ll be able to relate to “The Book Club: The Next Chapter,” in theaters May 12, 2023.
It’s true that the four actresses in the movie, Mary Steenburgen, Candice Bergen, Diane Keaton, and Jane Fonda, may skew older than most In Good Taste Denver readers (or even their mothers) but there are many universal themes in this movie that make it relatable, whether you’re in your early 20’s – or 70’s! The movie, the sequel to the original “The Book Club,” has all four actresses, all of whom I like, and scenes of Italy, so I attended the preview screening. It isn’t essential to have seen the first movie because the sequel does a decent job of providing background to these women, their lifelong friendship, and their current situations. Still, if you can stream it somewhere, or even just watch the trailer, do.
While the overall theme of the first movie is, “We’re not dead yet so let’s make the most of life,” a running theme in “The Book Club: The Next Chapter” is regretting not having taken a chance. In the cases of these friends, that comes up a lot, starting with the trip to Italy they had planned when they were in their early 20’s but didn’t because one of them got pregnant and then other life events happened to the rest of them and, well, suddenly it’s 50 years later and they never took the trip. It’s a cautionary tale.
When the idea of taking the long-delayed trip comes up, with the excuse of a bachelorette party for one of the women as the reason, the others all find reasons why they shouldn’t go.
But as things start to fall into place for each to be able to go, they chalk it up to the Universe paving the way. Everything’s a sign, meant to be, etc. Only later in the movie do they realize that it was really their deliberate actions that made the trip, and all of the ensuing adventures, a reality. That’s a good message for all of us.
The scenery in “The Book Club: The Next Chapter” is incredible and, I’m sure, bookings for flights to Italy will soar once people see it. We recently returned from Italy and it made us want to go right back! Connecting each new city or village the four friends visit are running themes of humor, loyalty, going with the flow, love, sexuality, and getting really real with your friends. Can you relate to all of that? Check, check, check, check, check and check!
Yes, you should take your mom and/or grandma to see “The Book Club: The Next Chapter.” But you should also drink it all in (and maybe take your pals and their parentals too) because, although the movie features women in their 70’s+, the themes are universal and there are lessons for all of us, throughout, all wrapped up in a beautifully-stylish Italian bow.
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