Book Club: The Next Chapter is one of those films that is emotional and compelling despite its lack of a story. The Next Chapter, the sequel to 2018's Book Club, follows the participants on a vacation to Italy as they approach the next stage of their life and reaffirm their friendship. Overall, it's a wonderful, friendly film, yet it lingers for far too long and lacks major conflict. Book Club: The Next Chapter, directed by Bill Holderman from a screenplay he co-wrote with Erin Simms, is fluff, but if you're prepared to go along for the ride, it will occasionally pull on the heartstrings while simultaneously acting as a gorgeous travel commercial for Italy.

The story begins with what the four friends — Vivian (Jane Fonda), Diane (Diane Keaton), Sharon (Candice Bergen), and Carol (Mary Steenburgen) — were up to during the initial pandemic lockdown. Sharon has retired, Vivian and Arthur (Don Johnson) are doing so well that she accepts his proposal, Diane and Mitchell (Andy Garcia) are still together, but she decides to take her late husband's ashes to Italy with her, and Carol is caring for Bruce (Craig T. Nelson), who had an angioplasty. Throughout it all, they keep their monthly book club talks on Zoom going. Inspired by The Alchemist, the four friends resolve to travel to Italy whenever the weather permits, something they've always wanted to do before life intervened. The protagonists enjoy their friendship as they prepare for what life has in store for them next on what doubles as a bachelorette party vacation.

The narrative of Book Club: The Next Chapter is lacking. It is a lengthy, visually stunning travel advertisement for Italy with a lot of emotion. Holderman and Simms are content to allow the characters to pursue their own destinies, and they do so. Yes, there are a few obstacles they must surmount, but everything is done at a leisurely pace, demonstrating that not everything needs to be rushed. Even when the companions are candid with one another, they accept criticism with a nod and a chuckle. This sequel pays little attention to anger and aggravation, opting to go with the flow and follow what they believe are signs pointing them in the right direction. It's a lovely sentiment, but The Next Chapter could have used a bit more conflict, if only to make things more engaging and significant.

Each of the companions has an obsession with something. For Viv, it's whether she should get married, something she's been adamantly against for so long; for Carol, it's Bruce's health, and she becomes so fearful of losing him that she becomes overly controlling. The purpose of the voyage is not only to spend some much-needed time together, but also to gain clarity, let go of the past, and live life to the fullest. The film follows suit, without concern for specifics or unnecessary dramatization. Despite the story's thinness, we're taken on a heartwarming journey with these enduring friends, and it feels natural to bask in their glow for a while.

Book Club: The Next Chapter could have used more humor, however. Bergen's comic timing is impeccable, and she infuses the sequel with enough laughter to sustain it. Certain moments in the film are absurd, and it would have aided if they had been infused with humor beyond Bergen's delivery of his lines. Nonetheless, the film is as frivolous as it gets. The cast seems to be having a great time, and the breathtaking views of Rome and Venice entice us to join them on their voyage.

Book Club: The Next Chapter features a likable cast and a gorgeous setting, as well as story elements that keep the plot moving. The cast imbues the film with their charm and lovely rapport, despite the fact that the script lacks the substance to sustain it for nearly two hours. The Book Club sequel will make you feel like you're reuniting with old acquaintances over wine and life lessons, which is sufficient.

Book Club: The Next Chapter is now playing in theaters.