Book Club review: Keaton, Fonda, Bergen and Steenburgen are a delight to watch in this fun comedy from feature debut director Bill Holderman.
Book Club review by Tina Baraga.
What happens when four middle-aged women get together to read ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’? Sounds like the start to a good joke right? Luckily it’s also the plot of Bill Holderman’s directorial debut, a hit-and-miss comedy jam packed with an all-star cast that tackles age, romance and sisterhood, all with a side of Mr Grey-esque fun.
The film revolves around the lives and book club of lifelong friends Diane, Vivian, Sharon and Carol. When feisty Vivian suggests reading Fifty Shades of Grey, little do her and her friends know that E.L. James’ bestselling hit is about to turn each of their worlds upside down.
Recently widowed Diane (Diane Keaton) gets swept into a whirlwind romance with pilot Mitchell (Andy Garcia), while decisively single Vivian (Jane Fonda) learns that you cannot hide from your feelings when old flame Arthur (Don Johnson) reappears. Divorcee Sharon (Candice Bergen) decides to re-enter the dating scene, signing up to online dating in order to finally get over her divorce and chef Carol’s (Mary Steenburgen) 35 year marriage to Bruce (Craig T. Nelson) has hit a slump, one that she is desperate to get out of. Through their romantic revelations each friend reawakens not only their sexual but also their personal spirits, discovering more about themselves along the way then they expected.
Book Club is a fun and easy watch that takes a light-hearted approach to the topics of ageing, romance and friendship. It has all the ingredients of a hit; a stellar cast, a gripping story and enough romantic twists to make most rom-coms hide under the covers. Unfortunately Holderman’s flat direction, mixed with what at times feels like a unfinished screenplay, leaves the film feeling slightly superficial and the viewer deflated. Missing are the natural flow and snappiness that make a witty and intelligent comedy so very good, giving characters the gumption they need to shine. Instead the film feels like it has been pieced together scene by scene without much thought given to character or story development.
That being said Keaton, Fonda, Bergen and Steenburgen are a delight to watch as they plunge head and heart first into the world of middle-aged dating and the aforementioned script does provide enough good genuine laughs to salvage the comedy. However the film’s greatest star (in addition to its four actresses of course) is its undeniable positive message; just because you are getting old does not mean you have to stop living. And Holderman has picked the perfect four heroines to bring this message home.
Book Club review by Tina Baraga.
Book Club is released in the UK on Friday, 1st June.
