Book Club: The Next Chapter brings back the star-studded cast in a sequel that is sweeter, funnier, and even more enjoyable than the original. Check out all the details in my parents guide movie review.
Book Club: The Last Chapter releases in theaters across the United States this Friday, May 12, 2023. The film brings back the stars from the original film plus some new faces, including Diane Keaton (Diane), Jane Fonda (Vivian), Candice Bergen (Sharon), Mary Steenburgen (Carol), Andy Garcia (Mitchell), Don Johnson (Arthur), Craig T. Nelson (Bruce), and Giovanni Esposito (Pasquale). This sequel was written and directed by Bill Holderman. Check out all the details in my parents guide movie review.
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Book Club: That Last Chapter Movie Quotes
Book Club: The Next Chapter Parents Guide
In Book Club: The Last Chapter: The highly anticipated sequel follows our four best friends as they take their book club to Italy for the fun girls trip they never had. When things go off the rails and secrets are revealed, their relaxing vacation turns into a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country adventure.
Book Club: The Next Chapter Age Rating Parents Guide
Let’s take a look at what parents need to know about the age rating of the movie before letting their younger children watch Book Club: The Last Chapter.
Language: Book Club: The Last Chapter contains some stronger words, with profanity used throughout. Some of the words include sh*t, f*ck, b*st*rd, d*mn, jerk, hell, and phrases like “g-d d*mm*t” and “Jesus f*cking Christ.”
Mature Content: The biggest concern for parents in the film, other than the language, is some of the suggestive material. The characters often discuss sex and make sexual innuendos. There is a scene where two characters are caught in the act on a boat; nothing is shown, it is only implied. The only nudity consists of some museums the characters visit in Italy that show statues of nude men and women, including the penis shown on the figure of the statue. Characters drink alcohol and become intoxicated.
Age Rating of Book Club: The Last Chapter: Focus Features Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 has a PG-13 rating for strong language and suggestive material, and the parental guidelines advisory recommends it for an adult audience, younger adults, and teens aged 13 and older. The suggestion of parental guidance or a legal guardian (adult guardian) is highly suggested for young kids (or older kids) under 13 years of age in this PG-13-rated motion picture for adult material. The minimum age recommendation is 13 years old; it is not suitable for young children.
Overall Thoughts
Book Club: The Next Chapter brings back its star-studded cast in a film that outdoes the first. It is funnier, sweeter, and even more entertaining than the original. Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, Mary Steenburgen, and Candice Bergen are together once again, and it feels like yesterday we last saw the tight-knit best friend group get all hot and steamy over 50 Shades of Grey. This time around, they have ditched the books and grabbed their suitcases for a whirlwind trip to Italy; breaking out of their comfort zone for a sort of YOLO (you only live once) vacation together. Of course, nothing with these ladies is as easy as it seems, and their vacation brings all sorts of hijinks, problems, and even more laughs.
There is so much to like about the sequel, Book Club: The Next Chapter, but first I’d like to start off by saying this film is for everyone. Granted, younger kids might find it boring with many of the references going over their heads, but as far as teens, adults, women, and men go, this film has a bit of something for everyone. Yes, I said men would also enjoy it. This is not a typical “chick flick” that will only resonate with a targeted audience, but more of a story about friendship, aging, commitment, a bit of romance, and lots of hijinks. It will especially resonate with anyone of a particular age in which where most of the jokes are squarely aimed. The story is a bit predictable, but it doesn’t matter because the journey the audience takes with these ladies is worth the ride. The jokes land well; not only did I find myself laughing throughout, but so did my husband, who typically doesn’t enjoy these types of films. He loved it.
Book Club: The Next Chapter is more about friendship and romances, but also a true love letter to Italy. In fact, it practically doubles as a travel PSA for the European country, as the ladies trip brings them to several of Italy’s most popular cities. The landscapes are colorful, breath-taking at times, and immerses viewers into the experience along with the cast. After audiences enjoy the film, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear they immediately went home and booked an Italian vacation. This film runs a bit under two hours long but there is never a dull moment with these ladies and the time just breezes by, and it releases just in time for Mother’s Day weekend. This is a perfect holiday for the release of this movie, as I couldn’t think of one more fitting for the subject matter, and would make a great inclusion on the day for mothers and daughters to share.
