Examination of another simple favor: an animated success in the continuation in the middle of the IRL legal drama

• Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick take their favorite roles from fans in “another simple favor”.
• Their chemistry as Emily Nelson and Stephanie Smothers is as remarkable as the action moves to Italy.
• The new film by Paul Feig Nivelle The twists and turns of the original film of 2018.

Blake Lively may have been used to receiving online receptions in the middle of his current legal drama with Justin Baldoni, but there was nothing mixed in the reaction of the crowd to his new film, “Another Simple Favor”, during his first SXSW on Friday evening. They loved it.

A crowded house (of which this journalist) was among the first to see the new film by Paul Feig, a series of his surprise 2018 success, The Black Comedy Mystery “A Simple Favor”.

Feig mentioned in his intro and repeated in the post -Film Q & R that he was historically wary of making consequences – many of them are bad! – And wanted to make sure that he had a fascinating story to tell during the revisation of the Fiendish in the fashion of Lively Emily Nelson and his vlogger Frenemy Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick).

The mystery of the Italian murder he delivered (from a script of Cowriters Jessica Sharzer and Laeta Kalogridis) is certainly convincing.

“Another simple favor” resumes five years after Stephanie was sent by Emily to prison for killing her own sister at the end of the first film. Emily, newly released from prison gracked her sexy and rich fiancé (Michele Morrone), plants a signature for the book that Stephanie wrote about her relationship with Emily and the events of the first film. Emily manipulates Stephanie to come to Capri to act as her bridesmaid, threatening Stéphanie with a trial to use her likeness and her name in her book without authorization.

In a moment which made that some of us in the public drop, Darren by Andrew Rannells (a friend of Stephanie) quips that Steph better go to Capri – despite the very real danger that Emily seeks to take revenge – because “ugly prosecution makes everything disorderly”. (It is unlikely that it is a determined reference to the animated drama Baldoni given the chronology of filming this film, but damn!)

The return distribution is as magnetic as ever. Kendrick’s delicious chemistry and Lively (despite the persistent rumors, although unfounded with a real quarrel) returns in full strength while the two make their way through the film. Henry Golding also returns as Sean, their common ex and the father of the son of Emily Nicky. Golding has a great time to play Sean as an absolute mess whose life has been implemented by its involvement with these women.

The new additions to the crew are perfectly written with the Campy tone of the film. Allison Janney is the aunt summary of Emily Linda, while Elizabeth Perkins embodies Emily’s mother, Margaret. Perkins takes over for Jean Smart, who played Margaret in the first film, and the Switch casting is addressed in the cheeky way to which you expect: Emily notes that Margaret looks different, and Margaret replies that she “did work”.

Alex Newell is another star. They join the cast as Vicky, Stephanie’s opportunistic agent who can barely contain their joy about all the chaos that Emily’s marriage brings (it is, after all, a perfect fodder for a second book).

“Another simple favor” is not lacking in twists and turns, leading to a third fully bizarre act that exceeds the original in almost all respects.

No spoilers – you just have to experience it for yourself to see exactly why Lively told the public in Q&R that it was deeply uncomfortable for her to look at herself in the film surrounded by an audience. It is a valid return to these surprisingly engaging characters, and Lively’s performances are electric; You can absolutely say that she means it when she calls Emily her favorite character whom she has ever played.

The end also leaves things wide open for another suite – although I cannot imagine how a third film could complete the scandalous outfits (there is a lively Wears hat in a scene that seems to need its own postal code) and a crazy dialogue in it.

“Another simple favor” will be presented on May 1 on Prime Video.