I love camp-y and bonkers type films. And let me tell you, “ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR” gave this to me, and so much more. But before I delve really into it, a little of the basics on the film whose set was surrounded by very public controversy.

“ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR” is the second part of a story of a famous author/influencer who gets into trouble yet again. We start a few years after the events of the first part where we find Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick), is now an author and also dabbles in solving criminal cases. She has even written a book about her experience of getting involved in the disappearance and fake death of her ex-BFF Emily Nelson (Blake Lively). Sadly, her book is not doing well, as intended and at a book-reading session, a surprise guest arrives. None other than the famous Emily. Turns out, she was in prison and then suddenly released, and yes, we do find out why.

While there to essentially clock Stephanie about everything she’s done, she also informs Stephanie that she’s getting married to Dante Versano (Michele Morrone), a stunning Italian man from a questionable family. She also asks for another favour – she asks Emily to be her maid of honour at her wedding in Capri. With some back n forth going on, eventually, Stephanie reluctantly agrees to join her. At the wedding venue, Stephanie learns that Sean (Henry Golding), Emily’s ex-husband, is also invited along with a few surprise ‘guests’ Emily’s mother, Margaret McLinden (Elizabeth Perkins), and her aunt Linda McLinden (Allison Janney). Dante’s mother Portia (Elena Sofia Ricci), is also there and very vocally apparent in her dislike of Emily. The situation is volatile and on top of it, a murder takes place on the island. What happens next, well that’s your wild ride to watch and makes up the rest of the film.

Jessica Sharzer and Laeta Kalogridis‘s story is full of twists and turns. Paul Feig‘s direction is effective. He tries his best to make sure that the plot points of the first part are understood in the sequel. Hence, the electrifying chemistry between the two female leads and the sassy exchange of words between them are present in abundance. The tension that arises at the wedding also keeps the interest going. There is more than one major plot twist in the second half which will not just be unexpected, one of them will boggle the mind. The ;camp’ of the film is over the top this time around. The first one, had some, but this time, CAMP is taken to a whole nother level, not just in plot, but in wardrobe as well, which is done superbly by Renee Ehrlich Kalfus, whose costumes are striking and will be talked about for sure come awards time. They are on a whole other level. Blake Lively, who continally stuns at the Met Gala, well here, it is like she is doing Met Gala after Met Gala after Met Gala here. It’s wonderful. Simply wonderful.

Anna Kendrick, as per usual, delivers another entertaining performance. Her and Lively play off each other so well in this series. This time however, her character has evolved as what has happened in her life has changed it dramatically. Yet, she still has that bit of naivity and this balance has been nicely done by Anna in her act. Lively, as expected, is fiery yet again. She keeps her act mysterious and she does full justice to her part. Henry Golding dominates his role as Sean Townsend, despite limited screen time, gives it all he’s got. And he’s got a lot to ‘show’ you! Elizabeth Perkins, is my scene stealer of the film. Again, a smaller role, but oh-so-juicy here. Allison Janney and Elena Sofia Ricci lend support in their more motherly, matronly roles, but with spice of course. Michele Morrone! I mean whoa! Looks alone don’t get you through a role, and he proves he has both looks and chops. Alex Newell (Vicky), is back as Stephanie’s assistant. While she’s funny again, she doesn’t have as much layers to her here. But still, leaves a mark. Ian Ho (Nicky), does his fair shake as Emily & Sean’s son, but he does get ignored a bit during a scene pretty much all about him. Andrew Rannells (Darren), Bashir Salahuddin (Detective Summerville), Lorenzo de Moor (Matteo), Max Malatesta (Detective Antonio Lucchese) and Taylor Ortega (Agent Irene Walker), all add background flair to make things work in the background. A specail shoutout to Ortega as she was so damn funny at points. Great dark comedic relief.

On the whole, ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR benefits from an intriguing script and a series of unexpected twists. Is it perfect? No. It’s not. But if you want to have some wild fun, with insane fashion, this is your movie. It has it’s cliches’ of course, but it’s appeal is undeniable.

Grade: C+

“ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR” IS NOW STREAMING IN THE US ON AMAZON PRIME

Review Screening: Monday, April 28, 2025 ~ Courtesy of Ginsberg/Libby PR