Slow Jam Saturday : The Spinners, Sadie
Tomorrow is Mother’s Day, so I wanted to pick a song for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday that pays homage to moms.
Book Club: The Next Chapter is a clichéd driven sequel and that’s just fine
Review content Director Bill Holderman brings four legendary actresses back together in Book Club: The Next Chapter from Focus Features. In addition to directing the film, Holderman penned the screenplay with Erin Simms, who wrote the first film.
It’s been four years since we last saw the characters Diane (Diane Keaton), Vivian (Jane Fonda), Sharon (Candice Bergen), and Carol (Mary Steenburgen). When we last left the ladies, Diane’s daughters had accepted her relationship with pilot Mitchell (Andy Garcia), Vivian decided to commit to her flame Arthur (Don Johnson), Sharon was hopeful about online dating, and Carol had reignited the passion in her marriage to Bruce (Craig T. Nelson).
After navigating through the challenges of the global pandemic and other personal matters, the group of female friends decide to let loose and have some fun. Excited by the news of Vivian’s engagement, they plan a girls’ trip to Italy, which they had always wanted to do. However, unexpected events reveal secrets, turning their tranquil vacation into an unforgettable journey across the country.
I’ll be the first to admit that I was nowhere in the primary demographic for a film like Book Club. However, the first film had tons of heart and excellent chemistry between the legends. Witnessing the fun between four iconic actresses as they portray a story centered on sex and the art of enjoying it to the fullest, you couldn’t help but smile.
The sequel may give off cash-grab vibes for some, but its intended audience will enjoy it. I will say that the film’s opening moments feature a voice-over from one of the characters asking what would make “a woman in her seventies get married”? I thought about the route the film was going to take. When the film was announced, and the plot was revealed, I thought the characters jumping the broom would surely be Diane and Mitchell. So I was pleasantly surprised when the trailers showed that it was Vivian and Arthur.
Book Club: The Next Chapter hits all of the necessary plot points; a sequel of this sort requires. Thankfully the film’s screenplay avoids culture clash jokes and lets the ladies enjoy their time on vacation without any overtly embarrassing situations just for the sake of the laugh. Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen all have moments to shine in the film, and we genuinely believe in their friendship.
Kudos to the script for handling the characterization of the ladies’ love interests. Andy Garcia, Craig T. Nelson, and Don Johnson are having as much fun as the ladies. There were moments in the film that established that Arthur, Mitchell, and Bruce have a friendship, and I wouldn’t like some deleted scenes that show the trio hanging out and just interacting.
Book Club: The Next Chapter does have some clichés, but I was so busy watching these ladies enjoying their time together I’ll allow it. Expanding on the charm that made the first film a winner, Book Club: The Next Chapter is a harmless sequel.
Final Grade: B
Book Club: The Next Chapter hits theaters on May 11th.
Citadel is harmless spy hijinks
Following their delightful 2022 flick, The Grey Man filmmaking duo, the Russo Brothers, returns to the spy genre in Citadel from Amazon.
Fatal Attraction is a serviceable remake of the classic film
An iconic eighties film receives a remake in the episodic television series Fatal Attraction from Paramount+. Taking inspiration from the same-titled Michael Douglas/Glenn Close box office smash, the series comes from Alexandra Cunningham and Kevin J. Hynes.
Second Listen Sunday : Janet Jackson 20 Y.O.
I’m still on a musical high after seeing Janet Jackson in concert last night, so of course, she will get some more love. I decided to revisit her ninth album, 2006’s 20 Y.O., for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.
Slow Jam Saturday : Janet Jackson, 70s Love Groove
Tonight will be one for the record books, as I finally see Janet “Ms. Jackson if you’re Nasty” live. Before that, though, I must show some love to one of my favorite Janet slow cuts for Slow Jam Saturday.
Second Listen Sunday: Marvin Gaye, Dream of A Lifetime
Last week we marked the 39th anniversary of the untimely passing of ICON Marvin Gaye. I was approaching age three when Gaye passed, so I don’t remember the worldwide grief music fans felt. However, Gaye’s legacy continues to live on, and for this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I chose to revisit Gaye’s eighteenth and first posthumously released studio album, Dream of a Lifetime.
Slow Jam Saturday: H-Town, Day I Die
R&B trio H-Town hit the scene in 1993 with their massive crossover hit and signature song “Knockin’ Da Boots.” Even though pop pundits might consider the group one-hit wonders, they have six albums and other charting R&B hits.
Clichés aside One True Loves makes for enjoyable romantic flick
Following the streaming success of Daisy Jones & The Six, New York Times bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid sees another novel get a visual adaptation in the film One True Loves. Andy Fickman directs the film from a script by Taylor Jenkins Reid and her husband, Alex Jenkins Reid.
One Day As A Lion Lacks Roar
Scott Caan takes a break from tracking down missing people to go to the opposite side of the law in One Day As A Lion from Lionsgate. Caan also pens the screenplay while John Swab is in the director’s chair, with this film serving as their fourth collaboration.
Second Listen Sunday: Gerald Levert, Groove On
The legendary Gerald Levert was on top of his game in the fall of 1994 when his second album, Groove On, hit stores. His 1991 debut Private Line saw platinum success, and two years later, his sixth album For Real Tho’ with the group LeVert went gold. Not to mention Gerald was also an in-demand producer and writer
Slow Jam Saturday: K-CI & Jo Jo, Never Say Never Again
R&B duo K-Ci & Jo Jo achieved runaway success when they broke away from their parent group Jodeci in the summer of 1997. The third single from the album “All My Life” was the number-one song on the Hot 100 for three weeks, a feat that K-Ci & JoJo had never achieved with Jodeci. K-Ci & Jo Jo showcased their unique sound and style as a duo, resonating with pop audiences.