Briefly (26 September 2026)

Movies The Book Club (2018) D: Tobias LaMontagne. S: Ray LaMontagne, Sarah Sousa. After accomplished women of a certain age Keaton, Fonda, Steenburgen, and Bergen select 50 SHADES OF GREY for their BOOK CLUB, they start to examine their romantic pursuits (or lack thereof). The script’s entirely platitudes and tropes, but there are a handful of strong moments and occasional honest ones. And an often excellent soundtrack (also of a certain age). Book Club: The Next Chapter (2023) D: Bill Holderman. S: Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, Andy Garcia, Mary Steenburgen. The gang goes to Italy to celebrate a surprise engagement, but also the end of COVID travel restrictions. Like before, the performances and genial (and less overtly vulgar) mood carry the scenic outing. Unlike before, the BOOK doesn’t matter much (it’s seemingly THE ALCHEMIST this time, but they skip discussion other than dropping quotes). Bergen’s particularly funny this time. Paddington 2 (2017) D: Paul King. S: Ben…