Less about the books, and more about the bachelorette! Book Club returns to the screens for more guilty-pleasure goodness. Featuring our favourite four seniors who have decided to leave fate by the wayside and grab the bull by the horns. The kind of easy watching for those with low expectations but an appetite for neat story-telling and simple laughs. The film's tagline is "Slightly scandalous. Totally fabulous" - and that just about nails it.

 

We start with our heroines, played by Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, Mary Steenburgen and Candice Bergen reuniting after an arduous Covid lockdown (we've all been there!). You can bet the film made the most of Zoom jokes and lockdown misadventures. With all the time that has passed and events that have come their way, Carol (Steenburgen) initiates the idea of going to Italy to celebrate Vivian's (Fonda) unexpected and upcoming nuptials. 

 

The foursome throw caution to the wind and set off for Rome, Venice and Tuscany for a whirlwind adventure. As expected, Book Club: The Next Chapter brings us a confection of beautiful European scenery and luxury. While there are small mentions of "The Alchemist", this instalment definitely isn't about the books, but more about living the life you want, when you want it. Hold on tight for lessons on love and not letting your life pass you by. Say yes to the dress, and YES PLEASE to the Prosecco.

 

There's police, prison, old flames, wine, wine and more wine - so we know this gaggle of 60-and-70-something gals are in for the ride of their lives. Sharon (Bergen) really outshines the others for me with her dry and unexpected humour, lifting the film up from its usual comedic tropes to something really worth giggling at.

 

While Book Club: The Next Chapter is not groundbreaking in any sense, it's fun and of course it's out in time for Mother's Day - perfect!