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“Another Simple Favor” Film Details

• Runtime: 2 Hour(s)
• Date Seen: April 23, 2025 (Early Screening)

• Released On: Prime Video (Public Release Date: May 1, 2025)
• Director(s): Paul Feig
• Writer(s): Jessica Sharzer, Laeta Kalogridis
• Based On Work By: Darcey Bell
• Genre(s): Comedy, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
• Rating: Rated R
• Distributor: Amazon Prime Video

Summary

While Stephanie has made a living off being the new queen of true crime, her last case left her traumatized to the point of taking a sabbatical and focusing on her book about Emily. During the press tour, the presumably jailed Emily shows up to ask Stephanie to be her maid of honor, and presents it as an offer she can’t refuse, for she will use the same legal team that got her out of jail to destroy Stephanie’s burgeoning empire.

So, forced to head to Capri, Stephanie sees a lot of old and new faces and finds herself wondering why Emily asked her for another simple favor?

Cast and Characters

Stephanie (Anna Kendrick)

• Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]

• Character Summary: With a successful mom blog, a book deal, and a pre-teen son, Stephanie may not have it all, but she has more than enough to stay happy. But after a recent traumatic experience on her crime show, she does wonder if she still has the knack to solve a good crime mystery.

Emily (Blake Lively)

• Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]
• Character Summary: While Emily has gone by many names, even her government name, Hope, at one time, one thing that has long been consistent is her being a con artist capable of murder. But, she just got out of jail and is looking to turn over a new leaf, so while her words are still biting, Emily is trying to change perceptions and push the idea that the prison system has rehabilitated her.

Vicky (Alex Newell)

• Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]
• Character Summary: Vicky is Stephanie’s assistant, who focuses heavily on her career since her job depends on it.

Why Is “Another Simple Favor” Rated R?

• Dialog:
  • Cursing: Extensive
  • Discriminatory Language: No
  • Innuendo: Moderate
  • Suicide Mentions: Yes
• Violence:
  • Gun Violence: Moderate
  • Violence Against Animals: No
  • Violence Against Children: Threatened
  • Family Violence: Yes
  • Gore/ Blood: Moderate
  • Body Horror: No
  • Notable Violence: Self-Harm
• Sexual Content:
  • Nudity: Mild
  • Sexual Situations: Implied
  • Sexual Violence: Yes
• Miscellaneous:
  • Drinking: Yes
  • Drug Use: None
  • Vomiting: No
  • Smoking: Yes

Links

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• Official Site Link

Review and Commentary

Highlight(s)

The Dynamic Between Lively and Kendrick [87/100]

Throughout most of Another Simple Favor, like Stephanie, we’re pushed to question why Emily invited her to her wedding? But what makes this all the more interesting is that Stephanie doesn’t tread lightly. Depending on how you look at it, she antagonizes or initiates banter. Most of which is just addressing what happened in the first movie, and their relationship. However, at times, you do see Stephanie cross the line, and it reignites the idea that, while Stephanie isn’t at the top of Emily’s s*** list, she can move up on it if she keeps pushing it.

And let me say, the way Lively and Kendrick trade barbs at each other, it truly showcases the talents of writers Jessica Sharzer and Laeta Kalogridis in such a way that you’ll find yourself checking for their past credits, and wanting to know what they’ll be writing next.

The Comedy [84/100]

But let it be clear, Kendrick and Lively aren’t the only ones delivering funny moments with a sense of wit, deadpan humor, or dark comedy. While Vicky barely does more than give reactions, for the New York City audience I saw this with, nearly every line Alex Newell said led to laughter. Now, me, on the other hand, being very used to their type of character, I did not laugh – but I’m a hard sell at times.

Beyond Vicky, there is Emily’s future mother-in-law, Emily’s aunt Linda, and a slew of other characters who never steal the movie, but certainly earn their place and at least get you to giggle.

As Usual, Lively’s Wardrobe Is Stunning [83/100]

At this point, I feel like mentioning Blake Lively’s wardrobe in a movie feels like such a given that it may not be worth highlighting. It all is exquisite, probably plays as big of a role as the hair and make up, and while there is a consistent standard that can be seen through all her movies, you do have to appreciate how the shift of style often plays a role in the believability of her performance.

Which I say as someone who generally doesn’t highlight clothing.

Low Point(s)

The Twist [64/100]

When things go to hell in a movie like Another Simple Favor, it is expected. However, the challenge is how far you can go and how well you can clean it up and make it sense. Another Simple Favor does not do this well—at all.

It takes what can be seen as an elaborate, somehow boring way out. One that has the same entertaining dialog, with Emily and Stephanie one-upping each other, which makes you love the film, while delivering scenarios that make you wonder, how can the dialog be so good yet the story be so underwhelming?

On The Fence

The Ending [72/100]

Because of the twist and how that plays out, the ending of Another Simple Favor can leave you frustrated. Why? Mainly because it builds towards another sequel in which, yes, there can be biting and fun dialogue, but an even worse story feels promised, and further exploitation of a premise that honestly barely justified this sequel.

Overall

Our Rating (78/100): Mixed (Divisive)

As a comedy, Another Simple Favor deserves high marks. However, while the jokes and dialogue are strong, the story is a reminder that crafting a quality mystery isn’t just about asking questions and building up to a dramatic reveal, but making that reveal feel earned and having the answers make sense. That is as opposed to what Another Simple Favor does in seemingly taking a soap opera storyline as a means to craft a twist and ending, and leaving you with a bad taste in your mouth.

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