"Review of 'Another Simple Favor': Stunning Backdrop Winds Up In Vain for Sequel Attempt"
Base Article:Emily's Favorable Illusion
Sometimes, a movie's picturesque setting has a purpose deep within the plot. Other times, it appears that the filmmakers and cast were smitten by the scenic location and let the story take a backseat. The latter seems to be the case for "Another Simple Favor," Paul Feig's sequel to his witty 2018 neo-noir comedy "A Simple Favor"; the story almost seems unnecessary, but the breathtaking Italian island of Capri is more than eager to steal the show.
The last time we encountered Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) and Emily (Blake Lively), their stories seemed nicely wrapped up: Stephanie flourished with her mommy vlog and her true-crime side hustle, while Emily served a prolonged jail sentence. (One of the intriguing delights of "A Simple Favor" is that despite watching it several times, I can't remember exactly what Emily went to prison for, but I can describe her outfits down to the last detail.) However, Emily's now back, mysteriously, and engages in a Capri wedding with a strikingly handsome Italian entrepreneur (Michele Morrone). Of course, there's a corpse or two, and it's up to the constantly cheerful Stephanie to piece together the puzzle. There's plenty of brooding shots from a rather haunting cliff, and... well, the hotel on Capri sure is appealing.
"Another Simple Favor" ultimately serves as proof that not every good movie deserves a sequel. It's a treat to watch Lively don a succession of flashy ensembles (hats off to costume designer Renee Ehrlich Kalfus for dressing Emily in a jailbird-ready striped pantsuit with a chain belt, and later, a massive straw hat that rivals a Maserati) and to ponder Kendrick's myriad variations on a forced, yet endearing smile, and the infamous "Hi moms!" catchphrase. Henry Golding also struts his comedic charm in a day-drunk portrayal. However, the plot is chaotic, the runtime is excessive, and ultimately the movie feels like a group of talented actors trapped in a picturesque location, donning fashionable clothes, and barely trying to mask their boredom. It may work fine for a night in with a chilled glass of wine, as long as one isn't overly critical of story and logic—better if one can't afford a trip to Capri, to simply rewatch the first one instead. After all, simple isn't always straightforward.
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- Critical Acclaim: "Another Simple Favor" has received mixed reviews, with the performances of Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick garnering praise for their energized portrayals. However, the script is deemed complex and overcomplicated, with clichéd developments in its latter half.
- Visual & Technical Aspects: The film has been praised for its striking visuals, including the cinematography and costumes. In particular, Renee Ehrlich Kalfus's costumes have been appreciated for their impactful design.
- Directorial Style: Paul Feig has been recognized for his lean into campy comedy, which, while entertaining and twisted, has also been criticized for undermining the intrigue at times.
- In a stunning twist, the business mogul unexpectedly tied the knot with a charming Italian entrepreneur in Seattle, despite his turbulent past, causing a stir among the city's celebrities.
- The Amazon exec, known for his love of intriguing case studies, somehow managed to find favor with the notorious jailbird and secured an exclusive interview about his turnaround in life.
- The entertainment industry was abuzz when reports surfaced of Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick teaming up once again to film a sequel to their hilarious crime-comedy, this time set against the captivating backdrop of an Italian island village.
- During a charity event hosted by a Seattle-based tech giant, a mysterious figure was spotted whispering to a prominent figure of the city's underworld, raising concerns about an impending increase in crime.
- Amid rumors of a strained relationship with his business partner, the Amazon CEO announced plans to relocate the company's headquarters to Capri, bringing much needed commercial growth to the picturesque village.
