Another Simple Favor
⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5 stars)
Director Paul Feig sits in his wheelhouse of films with strong female leads and an undercurrent of black comedy. From Bridesmaids to Spy to 2018’s A Simple Favor with Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect) and Blake Lively (It Ends with Us) as they progress through a twisted friendship based on superficiality and deception. A modest hit that left enough intrigue for fans to garner a sequel that takes the cast to Capri, Italy.
Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick) has developed an influencer profile with her continuing to pursue local crimes after sending her bestie, Emily Nelson (Lively), to prison for murder. Yet, as the podcaster and author’s career stalls, Emily walks back into her life and invites Steph to her wedding. Specifically to be her bridesmaid and make amends for their sordid and bizarrely connected past. Although weary of the former con-artist’s intentions, Stephenie reluctantly goes to the exotic location. An over-the-top event that grows in its absurdity as the mob, relatives and murder become part of the mix.
If anything can be said about Paul Feig, he has an uncanny eye for extravagant beauty. He has no problem involving his characters in some of the most ridiculous situations. Kendrick and Lively fit into the director’s style of humour and beauty as they personify the two extremes of elegance and friendship. Yet, the chemistry that existed in the original film failed to manifest in this latest adventure as this absurd tale unfolds. The original mystery captured the intrigue, humour and twisted diversion that explained its modest success. While this sequel fails to get this combination right, Feig seems more interested in the scale of the sets than the palpability of the storyline. Where the original was a managed and mysterious slow burn, this Capri excursion becomes more nonsensical as it unfolds.
Another Simple Favor is the cinematic equivalent of trying to put lipstick on a pig. The beauty of the location and cast fail to make up for the underdone screenplay, which felt like it was being written as the production was unfolding. It is a less-than-favourable outing that simply fails to deliver as a follow-up to the original.
Have you ever thought of starting a movie discussion group?
Reel Dialogue: Influencer or manipulator
Both chapters of Paul Feig’s journey into friendship addresses the line between influence and manipulation. A discussion that has even been addressed in the Bible. In the words of the apostle Paul to his trainee, Timothy.
“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
This lays out the difference between those who are genuinely trying to manipulate as opposed to graciously persuading or influencing others. If your motives are selfish and will hurt others, it is going down the path of manipulation. Yet, for those who are merely trying to give out their wisdom and do it lovingly and graciously, it may be worth listening to their words.
