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Film reviews

Book Club: The Next Chapter Review

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What could be better than the continued story of four wonderful ladies living their life to the fullest? Find out in Book Club: The Next Chapter, directed by Bill Holderman who also gave us Book Club in 2018. This time, the joy among the ladies in the film is contagious as they live life like they are young again. Book Club: The Next Chapter includes many pointers on the concept of feeling young again. With Jane Fonda (as Vivian), Mary Steenburgen (as Carol), Candice Bergen (as Sharon), and Diane Keaton (as Diane), these ladies bask away into the wonders of a trip that will enrich their lives no matter how old they feel. 

Book Club: The Next Chapter continues from the first film in the franchise. The first one focused on Vivian, Carol, Sharon, and Diane becoming fascinated with the novel 50 Shades of Grey. Of course, the audience knows how that novel was encouraging to them. In Book Club: The Next Chapter, Vivian is engaged. Her wonderful news makes them all decide to take a trip to Italy. Adventure awaits among the four lifelong friends. There are loads of positive vibes throughout the film.. They experience more culture and realize the fascinations of life they have not yet fulfilled. Book Club: The Next Chapter is delightful because of the incredible chemistry between Vivian, Carol, Sharon, and Diane.

As the ladies escape into the vast scenery of Italy, they encounter many intriguing facts about the country. They also exhibit that they still have stamina and plenty of energy. They still get excited by feelings of  love and escape.  Keaton as one of the leads is the most empathetic and encouraging.. She knows how to portray a character who is having a fantastic time. Fonda does as well. Bergen and Steenburgen’s characters are more of the introverts in the party. The many personalities are a bit like a Sex and the City reunion except with the ladies being a decade or more  older. They do know how to have a jolly time though, and Book Club: The Next Chapter will entertain its audience in this one-of-a-kind comedy. For a sequel, it is quite invigorating, and better than the first.

Ageism is represented with an inspirational tone in Book Club: The Next Chapter. In real-life Fonda is in her 80s, and the other three actresses are all in their 70s. All of these ladies still have that magic charm with positive and upbeat attitudes which their fans will cherish. There are golden moments with each and every one of the ladies throughout Book Club: The Next Chapter.

There are, however, a few mid-life crises to deal with by some of the ladies, but they are thoughtfully presented with a loving perspective. Book Club: The Next Chapter reminds its audience to appreciate life’s wonders and feel lucky to be alive. Although the movie is presented in a romcom fashion, the story is an interesting blend of culture, friendship, and new journeys. The film is quirky in some scenes, but overall, it is a well done continuation. Three stars for Book Club: The Next Chapter.

Film reviews

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Review

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It’s been six years since the last Guardians of the Galaxy film. The newest version, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, has tones of melancholy and fantasy. But it still has the superhero vibe and the classy tunes that make the film a positive experience.

In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Chris Pratt is back as Peter Quill, Dave Bautista is back as Drax, Vin Diesel is back as Groot, Bradley Cooper is back as Rocket, and Karen Gillan returns as Nebula. All are back for a mission that somewhat lacks the excitement we expect in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film seems to have shallow character introductions and a lack of continuity for most of the first half. The film also has almost a Star Trek setting. The film did move up a couple of levels with the visuals and CGI, though.

The plot of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3picks up with Quill finding himself at a loss after the death of Gamora (played by Zoe Saldana). The film goes in much the same direction as recent Marvel Cinematic Universe films. The team still has their tough attitude and their big egos, and they still deliver the humor and joyful superhero galore that fans love. When Rocket is kidnapped by Adam Warlock (played by Will Poulter) and an emperor enemy who goes by the name The High Evolutionary (played by Chukwudi Iwuji), Quill is on a mission to get Rocket back. This journey leads to bizarre places in outer space, with many twists and surprises. But the melancholy runs throughout the film.

Though not as stellar as previous films in the franchise, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3does show that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is reaching a serious phase again, and that it’s back on track with projects about to be released and in development. There are many surprises in the film, and fans will have fun trying to put together the pieces to try to figure out what will come next. It just may be that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is taking the franchise in a whole different direction—toward bigger and better projects.

One of the issues with this film is that the enemies’ powers seem overrated. No spoilers, but I will say I was not very impressed with this aspect of the film. But of course subpar enemies mean more success for our heroes of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. And there is of course also a lot of the saying, “I am Groot,” the tagline of all the Guardians of the Galaxy films. Those three words always bring fun to the table and although they’re intended to be sarcastic, there wouldn’t be witty and fun entertainment without sarcasm in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

So will the team be able to save Rocket? Possibly, but they may take on more damage then planned. Are there any enemies or events linking to Gamora? Maybe. Is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 an amazing ride? No, but it still carries many of the gems that fans of the franchise will appreciate. Three stars for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Film reviews

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret Review

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“My only advice is to stay aware, listen carefully, and yell for help if you need it.”

-Judy Blume

When there is a need for guidance in young girl’s life, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret provides a shining light. Based on the award-winning novel by Judy Blume, this filmoffers a realistic portrait of the feelings experienced during developmental years. In the eyes of Margaret, her adventures span a range of common questions she is facing and bold curiosities she is exploring. Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret dives deep into Margaret’s life and is completely engrossing. Directed and written by Kelly Fremon Craig, this film is faithful to the classic novel and sheds a positive light for all ages.

In the film Margaret, age eleven, is played by Abby Ryder Fortson. Her mom and dad are Barbara and Herb (played by Rachel McAdams and Herb Simon). Her grandma, Sylvia, is played by Kathy Bates. Margaret is a shy and introverted individual on the nerdy side. She is just a normal young lady whose life takes a shift when her family moves from the city to the suburbs. Her mother is Christian, and her father is Jewish. Margaret’s parents never practiced their religion with her or encouraged her to choose a faith. Once Margaret and her family move, she becomes friends with Nancy, played by Elle Graham. Nancy is on the popular side and has an ego. Nancy influences Margaret to develop one too especially when it comes to sex and boys. Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret will remind viewers of learning about topics that seemed awkward once upon a time. The film is written in a realistic manner that accurately reflects the narrative of youth.

The ups and downs of adolescent life are illustrated throughout the film. Margaret feels grateful at times and in others not so much. She finds herself enjoying the company of her grandma more than anyone else. That is probably because her grandma is more adventurous with her than her parents. While her parents are not bad people, they just never exposed Margaret to many aspects of their own lives. This lack of attention is key to Margaret gaining the attention of Nancy’s friendship. Some moments in the story depict belittling and condescending behaviors which are a bit of a downer. Despite the harshness, Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret is a reminder that in life it is OK to feel what our heart tells us to feel. This is especially true for someone young like Margaret.

If readers know the works of Judy Blume, then they will recognize that this film is based on her novel. Blume’s writing is always articulate and honest. Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret is one of the most honest film adaptations I have seen and even one of the top films of 2023 so far for me. The performance of Fortson, McAdams, Bates, and Safdie are all touching and monumental. The film is a revelation.

Is there a happy path forward for Margaret? Are there other curiosities or scenarios that will help her expand her horizons? Find out in Are you There God? It’s Me Margaret. Four stars.