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Book Club~ The Movie
Board: Movie Moments
Jun 8, 2018 9:25am
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Last night I went with my gal pals to check out Book Club.

The premise is as followed: Since college four friends meet once a month, each rotating choice of book that they read together and discuss. There’s Diane (curiously enough, played by Diane Keaton) who’s a widow with overbearing kids who see their mother as too old to live alone and we have “revamped our basement for you to move into”. There’s Vivian, the no strings attached and likes men-a lot, hotel owner who is played by 80 years old but looks hella good Jane Fonda. Then there’s Sharon, who’s still recovering from divorce 18 years ago but really didn’t like her husband in the first place, and is stuck in a rut. She’s a federal judge and is my favorite character above all. Finally, there’s Carol, played by Mary Steenburgen. Carol has had a rock solid marriage but for the last 6 months, has been neglected by her husband.

The choice of book: 50 Shades of Grey, recommended of course by Vivian, as the others would be too posh (maybe not so much Carol) to even consider picking up the book.

To counter these divas are some lovely, stunning men. Andy Garcia. Don Johnson. Craig T Nelson. Andy Garcia plays a pretty determined, strong-willed man. There’s a scene when Andy Garcia takes charges and I think every woman moaned and blushed in the audience. And I was with college educated, strong-willed women.

The storyline it’s self is a bit predictable. And Diana Keaton acts with her hands too and touches her face too much. In fact there’s a funny moment when her “daughters” do the same thing to her but I don’t know if that was intentional or what.

But sometimes a predictable movie is okay. Sometimes you just need to see a movie with your girls and see that you are not the only one with these thoughts or fears or personal issues.

Of the cast of women, Candice Bergen/Sharon was my favorite. She nailed the role of a tough woman who is clueless about the dating scene world NOW. She’s the one who really didn’t love or husband or enjoyed her marriage but never moved past it. And curious enough, her “ex” is Ed Begley Jr. who, when they are on screen together, you can see how mixed matched they are. And then there’s his “tweeny” fiancé that Candice has the perfect “look” in response too. And there’s a great moment with her cat and vet. Loved the cat’s name, btw. Totally laughed out. I think I related to her best because, even though I am NOT that old, I remember recovering from divorce, sitting at my table with my son and his girlfriend being in love and realizing, I-this person right here- really need to do something!

Also of the cast of women, my least favorite was Carol. She was a bit whiney and really comes off as “you aren’t paying enough attention to me!” Augh, roll my eyes. To be fair though, I don’t really care for her “acting”. Mary Steenburgen always seems to have the whiney/pouty roles and it’s old. (No pun intended.)

Having said more than enough, on to my Kitty Paws:
One Kitty Paw for Candice Bergen’s solid performance.
One Kitty Paw for the great banter between the women.
One Kitty Paw for classy approach to the older/wiser peeps, playing to their age while seeking out what they need without slamming or shaming the younger generation in the process.

More importantly, I think I enjoyed the movie most because minus the overbearing daughters and acting like their mother is too old and fragile and leaving her with the old people sleeping, I do think that movie does a very good job of displaying issues, fears and personal concerns that is transcending to the young and old. The fear of putting yourself out “there” again. The fear of getting hurt and running from love. The fear that your decisions will hurt others. It’s good to see that you are not alone.
Re: Book Club~ The Movie
Board: Movie Moments
Reply to: #960976 by Captain Slick Kitty
Jun 8, 2018 6:47pm
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I agree! I went with the gals and it was better than we thought it would be! It’s good to giggle! Not enough to laugh at these days...
Re: Book Club~ The Movie
Board: Movie Moments
Reply to: #961003 by Yosemite MJD
Jun 15, 2018 12:22pm
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Being of the YMJD group, yes it was very funny and great laughs, also being a member of the 70+ age group (soon 72), I thought it was hysterical!!!!

Wendy