The Anticipated Sequel: Another Simple Favor
Prior to the premiere of Another Simple Favor at SXSW, director Paul Feig expressed hesitance about creating a sequel to his 2018 cult classic, A Simple Favor. In his view, sequels often fall short of their original counterparts, and many share his sentiment.
A Familiar Yet Unconventional Reunion
While Another Simple Favor adheres to this common rule, fans of the first film may find that it does not significantly detract from their experience. The film revisits one of cinema’s most dysfunctional friendships, reuniting two stars whose strong on-screen chemistry elevates the film, regardless of its absurdities.
Character Comebacks and Plot Setup
Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick reprise their roles as the audacious duo entwined in crime and chaos. Emily (Lively) finds herself in prison by the end of the first film, while Stephanie (Kendrick) transitions into a private investigator, garnering fame through her engaging mommy vlog. In this sequel, we find Stephanie attempting to reclaim her purpose. Having just released a memoir chronicling her tumultuous friendship with Emily, she is preparing to send her son Miles (Joshua Satine) to camp and struggling with a lack of direction, particularly as her book sales stagnate.
An Unexpected Invitation
Things change when Emily unexpectedly appears at one of Stephanie’s underwhelming book signings, inviting her to be the maid of honor at her wedding to a wealthy and enigmatic Italian (Michele Morrone) in the picturesque Capri. Although Stephanie harbors suspicions about Emily’s intentions, her agent, Vicky (Alex Newell), encourages her to embrace the adventure for the sake of her brand.
Unveiling Secrets in Capri
As the narrative unfolds in Capri, Stephanie discovers that Emily’s fiancé, Dante, is entwined with the mafia, raising further questions about their relationship. Audiences familiar with A Simple Favor understand that appearances can be deceiving, setting the stage for a convoluted journey.
The Embrace of Campy Humor
Paul Feig intensifies the campy essence of the film, pushing the absurdity to outrageous levels. The visuals are vibrant, complemented by creative costume choices, particularly Emily’s extravagant outfits designed by Renee Ehrlich Kalfus. The comedy is self-aware, as signaled by Emily’s playful entrance to a book event, dressed in a contextually ironic gray ensemble reminiscent of prison wear yet dripping in glamor.
A Chaotic Cast of Characters
Stephanie’s reunion with Emily’s son, Nicky (Ian Ho), adds a touching moment to the chaotic events. Midway through the festivities, complications arise, especially with Sean (Henry Golding)—Emily’s ex-spouse, who flavors the plot with his bitter charm. His true-to-life malcontent attitude escalates the tension and comedic relief alike.
Enhancing the Narrative
The cast comprises an engaging ensemble of supporting characters, including rival mob figures and family members, enhancing the film’s chaotic vibe. Standout performances from Elizabeth Perkins and Allison Janney add depth, while Anita Pititto’s role as a quirky hotel maid leaves a memorable impression.
Plot Holes and Narrative Challenges
Despite the abundance of entertaining side plots, these elements somewhat mask the film’s narrative weaknesses. Starting at what feels like peak drama, the story often feels erratic, with some plot points introduced and discarded haphazardly. The heavy use of expository dialogue can detract from the overall fluidity, and the third act ventures into bewildering territory.
A Return to Detective Work
The sudden death of a guest reignites Stephanie’s interest in sleuthing, prompting her to scrutinize the other attendees. The intriguing dynamic between her and Emily offers the film its most compelling moments, despite the less-than-robust exploration of their once deep friendship. Thankfully, both Kendrick and Lively deliver commendable performances, making the film enjoyable even when the script falters.
Final Thoughts
While Another Simple Favor may not fully recapture the essence of its predecessor, it remains an amusing blend of humor, mystery, and outrageousness, largely due to its dynamic leads and their on-screen rapport. Unfortunately, the film seems to sideline the core bond that initiated this cinematic journey, leading some viewers to crave a deeper connection. Nevertheless, fans of the franchise may find enough entertainment value to make the film worth a watch.