A Simple Favour Sequel Delivers on Entertainment but Falls Short on Originality
In a follow-up to Paul Feig’s surprise hit, A Simple Favour, the sequel Another Simple Favour has been released, boasting a star-studded cast, including Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively. The film has been described as "wildly entertaining" and "breezy" by Empire Online, but does it live up to the standards set by its predecessor? According to Empire Online, "This sequel leans into the complicated plotting, the comedy and the murder, but loses the clever character work that made the first so compelling."
The plot follows Stephanie, played by Anna Kendrick, who has just published a book about her experiences with the murderous Emily, played by Blake Lively. When Emily is released from prison, she blackmails Stephanie into being her maid of honour at her surprise wedding on the picturesque island of Capri. As Empire Online notes, "It’s surely some plot to get revenge, but with a threat to sue her book into oblivion, Stephanie feels obliged – and intrigued – to go." The film then takes a familiar turn, with a murder occurring, and Stephanie becoming a suspect.
While Empire Online praises the film’s entertainment value, stating that it’s "still wildly entertaining and as breezy as the island of Capri where it is set," they also note that it’s "more conventional than its predecessor and considerably more predictable." The review highlights that "Several key reveals are telegraphed way in advance and there’s much less of a sense of Stephanie-as-detective; she’s the patsy for much of the running time."
Despite these criticisms, Empire Online acknowledges that director Paul Feig is aware of the film’s ridiculousness and "just runs with it, decamping to glamorous Capri and staging all the drama at the world’s most over-the-top wedding." The film’s visuals are certainly a highlight, with Blake Lively having "great fun swanning around suspiciously in ever-more outrageous couture."
The review concludes that while Another Simple Favour may not be as clever or original as its predecessor, it’s still a "frothy, sun-drenched bit of fun" that can be enjoyed without too much critical thought. As Empire Online puts it, "Even the slightest wisp of critical thought will bring the house-of-cards plot tumbling down, but avoid thinking too much and it’s a frothy, sun-drenched bit of fun."
The film’s reliance on familiar tropes and predictable plot twists may make it feel less impactful than the original, but it’s clear that Empire Online still sees value in its entertainment value. With its stunning visuals, engaging performances, and lighthearted tone, Another Simple Favour is likely to appeal to fans of the original and those looking for a fun, mindless thriller.
As Empire Online so astutely observes, "It feels like a holiday, and a pretty fun one at that, but it could have used a few wilder turns just to keep us – like its stilettoed leading ladies – constantly on our toes." Ultimately, Another Simple Favour may not be a standout sequel, but it’s a fun, engaging film that’s sure to delight fans of the genre.
The source material for this article comes from Empire Online, which reviewed Another Simple Favour and provided insightful commentary on the film’s strengths and weaknesses. You can read the full review on their website: https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/another-simple-favour/.
