Okay thriller fans get excited! The first reviews for A Simple Favor 2 are rolling in after its big premiere at SXSW and everyone is wondering if it lives up to the crazy twists and turns of the first movie. Did Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick bring the magic again? Is it just as stylish and suspenseful? Let's dive into what the early buzz is saying about this highly anticipated sequel!
Back in Action and Even Bigger? Early Reviews Hint at a Sequel That Amplifies the Original's Charm
Sequels can be hit or miss right? But Another Simple Favor seems to be aiming to give audiences exactly what they loved about the first film and then some. Reviewers are saying it's not necessarily "bigger" in terms of action but it definitely tries to give you more of what made the original so fun . And what was that exactly? The sparkling chemistry between Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick obviously!
Critics are already praising Lively and Kendrick's performances again. Anna Kendrick is still nailing that quirky spunky energy. Blake Lively is bringing back that effortlessly cool and slightly intimidating vibe in amazing suits of course. The script is packed with witty dialogue and sharp humor just like before. Even supporting characters like Andrew Rannells are getting in on the fun with some seriously quotable lines.
Ciao Italia! Capri Setting Weddings and Mafia? Plot Details Emerge from Early Screenings
This time the drama moves to Italy! Another Simple Favor takes us to the stunning island of Capri for Emily's wedding. Remember Emily went to jail at the end of the first movie? Well don't worry the sequel quickly explains that away (high-powered lawyers are magical apparently). Emily and Stephanie are back together because Emily needs another "simple favor" from Stephanie because you know Stephanie kind of got her sent to prison and wrote a whole book about it. Awkward bestie reunion?
Henry Golding is back as Emily's ex-husband Sean for some comedic moments. Allison Janney joins the cast as Emily's Aunt Linda who seems to be stirring up trouble. And Michele Morrone is the hunky groom-to-be Dante who might have some mysterious and possibly dangerous family connections (hint: think Mafia). It sounds like everyone is using everyone else in this tangled web of a wedding.
The plot sounds like a wild Agatha Christie-style mystery with bodies piling up and everyone suspecting everyone. But the sequel throws a curveball. Events start spinning out of Emily's control which is new for her. And that means Stephanie is also thrown off balance which she is not thrilled about but her smarts mean she can keep up with the craziness.
Bigger is Not Always Better? Camerawork Quirks and Plot Overload Get Mixed Reactions
While reviews are generally positive some critics point out a few areas where Another Simple Favor maybe tries a bit too hard. Some feel there are too many plot threads and not all of them really go anywhere. A subplot about Stephanie's son Miles for example seems to be a bit pointless. And the movie's attempts to be even more twisty and turny than the first film sometimes veer into "off-puttingly bizarre" territory for some viewers.
Another point of criticism is the camerawork. Director Paul Feig is known for letting actors do their thing but some reviewers found the use of drone shots in Italy a bit much even "nauseating" in some cases. It seems like maybe "bigger" visuals were not always the best choice.
Fashion Wit and Chemistry Still Shine: Performances Script and Wardrobe Get Thumbs Up
Despite some mixed feelings on plot and camerawork the core elements that made the first A Simple Favor work are still very much present and praised in the sequel. The performances by Lively and Kendrick are a major highlight. The witty script keeps the laughs coming. And of course the costumes are amazing!
The contrast in fashion between Emily's sharp menswear-inspired looks and Stephanie's "momcore" style is still a key part of the characters' dynamic. Stephanie does get some glamorous dresses for the wedding scenes which are described as visually stunning displays of wealth and beauty in Italy.
Overall early reviews suggest Another Simple Favor is a fun piece of "escapist entertainment" even if it is not perfect. It might not always make complete sense plot-wise but it delivers on the chemistry the humor and the stylishness that fans loved in the first movie.
Blake Lively's Legal Drama and SXSW Appearance: Real-Life Drama Off-Screen
Blake Lively's appearance at SXSW for the premiere was also notable because it was her first solo public appearance since her legal battle with Justin Baldoni began. Her husband Ryan Reynolds showed his support from afar posting pictures of Blake at the premiere on his Instagram.
Blake sued Baldoni in December alleging sexual harassment and retaliation related to their movie "It Ends With Us". Baldoni has countersued denying the allegations and accusing Blake of defamation and extortion. This legal battle has been ongoing and pretty intense with both sides denying wrongdoing and accusing the other of smear campaigns. Despite all this drama Blake Lively made a confident and stylish appearance at SXSW for Another Simple Favor 2 keeping the focus on her work.
Key Takeaways from Early 'Another Simple Favor 2' Reviews:
- Chemistry Still Sparkles: Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick's dynamic is once again a major highlight.
- Witty and Sharp Script: Expect more of the clever dialogue and dark humor fans loved.
- Italian Setting is Gorgeous: Capri provides a stunning and decadent backdrop for the sequel.
- Plot Gets Complicated: Some reviewers feel the plot becomes a bit convoluted and overstuffed.
- Fashion Remains Fabulous: Costume design especially the contrast between Emily and Stephanie's styles is still top-notch.
- Escapist Fun: Overall it's seen as an entertaining and stylish sequel perfect for those who enjoyed the first film.
Get Ready for More Favors and Fashion: 'Another Simple Favor' Sequel Arrives Soon!
So if you are a fan of the first A Simple Favor it sounds like the sequel Another Simple Favor is definitely worth checking out. It might not be perfect but it seems to deliver on the key ingredients that made the original so enjoyable: Lively and Kendrick's amazing on-screen partnership the sharp humor the stylish looks and of course plenty of twists and turns. Get ready for more mystery fashion and maybe a little bit of mayhem when Another Simple Favor starts streaming on Prime Video May 1st!