Book Club is an American romantic comedy, directed by Bill Holderman, that stars four of the most well-known Hollywood actresses: Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen.
The plot is quite simply: four friends hold for many years a monthly "book club" meeting, which allows them to maintain their friendship. All are very talented and successful, each in her own way, but are very different in character, and in their life histories. In one of their meetings they decide to read Fifty Shades of Grey - which "open their eyes" and triggers them all to try new romantic and sexual experiences. While each of the characters "takes" her new opportunities in different directions - they all engage in a very personal process of re-assessing their lives, values, and personal relationships.
Undoubtedly, all four actresses are excellent - especially Keaton and Fonda, which have starred in many gerontological movies in recent years. In various points, the movie is very funny and enjoyable. Finally, and most importantly, the movie touches upon a critical gerontological issue; the combination of sexism and ageism in American society. In many ways it tries to challenge the negative social construction of being an old women in a male dominated society.
However, overall, the movie does not really take off beyond the very average romantic comedies. All four "stories" are eventually very simple, very expected, and not really interesting. The movie - while trying to be anti-ageist, and anti-sexist - doesn't really provide any new insights beyond the very conventional and trivial.
Not a necessary addition to one gerontological movies library.....
USA
2018
Director: Bill Holderman
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv2usOrBTQM
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