‘Another Simple Favor’ Review: Cartoonish, Over-the-Top Sequel Lacks the Lust and Vigor of Original
Paul Feig finally steps back into the director’s chair for a sequel, delivering Another Simple Favor, the highly anticipated follow-up to 2018’s sleeper hit A Simple Favor. With Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively reprising their iconic roles, the film promises a thrilling blend of dark humor, high fashion, and tantalizing mystery. But does it live up to the original’s wicked charm?
A Sequel That Shines but Lacks the Edge of Its Predecessor
The first A Simple Favor was a stylish surprise, raking in nearly $100 million worldwide on a modest $20 million budget. Naturally, expectations for its sequel were high. Another Simple Favor raises the stakes by transporting the intrigue to Italy’s breathtaking Amalfi Coast, but bigger isn’t always better. The “Glass Onion Effect” is in full swing—more lavish, more extravagant, but not necessarily sharper.
Kendrick and Lively once again dazzle with their deliciously witty back-and-forth. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the wardrobe? Simply to die for. However, while A Simple Favor masterfully blended dark humor with a razor-sharp mystery, the sequel leans into over-the-top antics, losing some of its predecessor’s irresistible bite.
Plot Recap: New Twists, Familiar Schemes
Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) is now a best-selling author, riding high on the success of her book The Faceless Blonde, which details her past entanglement with the enigmatic Emily Nelson (Blake Lively). Meanwhile, Emily—presumed to be behind bars—reappears out of nowhere, very much free and just as unpredictable.
Emily crashes Stephanie’s book tour with an outrageous demand: she needs Stephanie to be her maid of honor. Against her better judgment, Stephanie flies to Capri for Emily’s lavish wedding. But just as the champagne starts flowing, a dead body turns up, and Stephanie is once again caught in Emily’s chaotic whirlwind of deception and danger.
Kendrick and Lively Keep the Magic Alive
The true heart of Another Simple Favor lies in the spellbinding performances of Kendrick and Lively. Lively slips effortlessly back into Emily’s designer heels, exuding confidence and cunning with every scene. Kendrick, meanwhile, continues to make Stephanie both hilariously awkward and surprisingly resilient, proving she’s far more than just a naive mommy-vlogger.
Their verbal sparring remains sharp, their mind games deliciously tangled. The film shines brightest when these two are together, manipulating each other with a mix of charm, wit, and veiled threats. But while their dynamic remains intoxicating, the supporting cast doesn’t get the same attention.
Michele Morrone’s Dante Versano adds a layer of mafia intrigue, while Allison Janney’s Aunt Linda McLanden brings an air of mystery. But other characters, like Henry Golding’s Sean Townsend and Alex Newell’s Vicky, feel like afterthoughts, never fully utilized in a way that enhances the story.
A Mystery That Lacks the Same Bite
While Another Simple Favor boasts stunning cinematography, jaw-dropping fashion, and the kind of high-class drama that makes for a fun watch, its central mystery feels less gripping. The film flirts with themes of betrayal, revenge, and power, but the execution lacks the meticulous precision that made A Simple Favor such a guilty pleasure.
Feig fully embraces the glamour of the Italian setting, weaving in local lore like Emperor Tiberius’ Leap into the storyline. But the pacing is uneven, and at two hours long, the film could have benefitted from a tighter edit. What should have been a razor-sharp thriller leans a little too much into exaggerated spectacle.
Final Verdict: A Fun, If Slightly Overindulgent, Sequel
Another Simple Favor may not reach the scandalous heights of its predecessor, but it still delivers an entertaining cocktail of crime, comedy, and couture. While the mystery feels less intricate, Kendrick and Lively’s performances make it worth the ride.
For fans of stylish crime capers, Another Simple Favor is an enjoyable watch—just don’t expect it to pack quite the same deliciously twisted punch as the original.
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars