Light-hearted romcom a real treat for fans
BOOK Club an absolute treat for fans to see four formidable stars of the American screen strutting their stuff in this light-hearted romantic comedy. With ages ranging from 65 to 80 years Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenbergen bring charisma and warmth to their roles as long-time members of a book club. Jane Fonda carries herself with her usual aplomb in her role as hotel owner and serial non-committer Vivian. She’s the only member of the group that’s having sex on a fairly regular basis, but not with any one person.
Diane (Keaton) is widowed, her major problem is trying to ward off the attempts of her two overprotective daughters to treat her as an aging invalid. Sharon (Bergen) is long-divorced and thinks that romance and sex are a thing of the past. Carol (Steenbergen) is married to Bruce (Craig T Nelson) but it seems that all attempts to inflame his desire are destined to fail.
Over wine these four get together to talk about books and sex and their lives When Vivian chooses E. L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey, something ignites in all of them. Vivian runs into an old flame she hasn’t seen for forty years. He’s Arthur (Don Johnson, who has certainly matured well over the years). His casting is a sly connection to the film of Fifty Shades of Grey in which Johnson’s daughter Dakota played the lead.
Diane, en route to her daughters in Arizona runs into airline pilot Mitchell (Andy Garcia), who’s impossibly handsome and charming.
Meanwhile Sharon decides to try her luck on-line, connecting with George (Richard Dreyfuss) and Dr. Derek (Wallace Shawn).
So the scene is set for a complete turnaround in the lives of these already fabulous women. Co-written by Erin Simms and Bill Holderman, the latter also taking on the role of director, Book Club is grounded by the star turns of the four women at its centre, they are all terrific. But it’s also a validation of having a go at whatever age you are, you just never know what’s around the corner. It could be Don Johnson!!