By Trina Boice
WHAT’S BOOK CLUB ABOUT?
Four older women who have been gathering once a month as a book club for decades read Fifty Shades of Grey and become obsessed about eroticism and love.
IS IT ANY GOOD? (GRADE: C+)
This movie puts the sex back into the word “sexagenarian”, although the majority of the leading ladies are actually in their 70's and 80's. Designed for an older viewing crowd, the audience I sat with laughed non-stop, while I mostly rolled my eyes. This is a true “chick flick” where all of the men fall all over themselves to please the women (except one).
Sex is the main focus of this movie which completely disappointed me because this talented cast could have done so much more. There are so many interesting topics that could have been explored to develop the characters better.
The second half of the movie really drops. The jokes about age and sex became tired and really dragged. I wanted to see more of Richard Dreyfuss and Wallace Shawn.
IS IT OKAY FOR YOUR FAMILY?
Book Club is rated PG-13. Things to be aware of:
There is some profanity, crude language, and 1 F-bomb. As Candice Bergan’s character says in the movie, “Must you always be so crass?” Exactly. There is a ton of alcohol. Someone is drinking wine or some other kind of alcohol in almost every single scene.
Lots of sex out of wedlock and LOTS of talk about sex, often with metaphors. The voice of reason, Candice Bergan’s character also says about the Fifty Shades of Grey choice for their monthly gathering, “I'm not sure this qualifies as a book.” Exactly.
ANY WORTHWHILE MESSAGES?
“Reaching millions of people doesn’t come close to reaching just one you love.” – Arthur (Don Johnson)
“I know I’m getting older, but I’m still learning and one of the things I’ve learned is that I deserve to be happy.” – Diane (Diane Keaton)
Friendship
Self-esteem
Love and connection
The power of books!
If you enjoyed Diane Keaton's portrayal of elderly romance here, you need to see her with Steve Martin in the delightful Father of the Bride movies. Buy them here.
