by Samuel Nichols, Contributing Writer
So here comes Blake Lively, embroiled in one of the craziest Hollywood controversies since Johnny Depp had his bed become a toilet. Lively’s back to something that should be bankable: podcast style murder mystery. Anna Kendrick came back despite her rumored beef with Lively. Our cameras linger on the beautiful Italian architecture around our stars. This should work for Lively. But just like her personal life, it gets messy. It’s like they say: “Art reflects life.”
Stephanie Smoothers (Kendrick) is just trying to make it all work. She’s balancing being a vlog mommy, being a real mom, and trying to sell a book. Things are looking bleak until Emily (Lively) walks out of prison and back into Stephanie’s life. With her gorgeous, mob prince fiancé Dante (Michael Morrone) on her arm, she wants Stephanie to be her maid of honor. Publicist Vicky (Alex Newell) and bestie Darren (Andrew Rannells) think Stephanie she can spin this into more sales and another book. Against her best judgement, Stephanie heads to Italy for the wedding. There she finds Emily’s ex Sean (Henry Golding) at the bottom of the bottle, Emily’s batty mother Margaret (Elizabeth Perkins), and devious aunt Linda (Allison Janney). When bodies start to pile up, other relatives come out of the woodwork, and family ties are questioned, Stephanie is in prime position to write about it all.
SiftPop is not a pop culture or gossip site. So I will not be elaborating on Ms. Lively’s recent legal battles or personal issues she might have with any co-star in this film or others. Furthermore, I do not see any point in diving into whatever history might exist between Lively and Kendrick. It is not my business, and everything I have heard online is basically conjecture. But the fact of the matter is Lively and Kendrick have some extracurricular issues going on, partially with each other, but primarily with Lively and her ongoing legal issues.
I could tell early on in this movie that some of that outside issues were affecting the on-screen chemistry. Some of the jabs and deliveries from our two stars seem uncertain. The biting chemistry between them might still be there, but it’s hesitant. It’s like they are feeling out the waters, and in turn it takes you out of the waters of this movie. As the movie goes on, it becomes a bit difficult to remember what conspiracy is happening, and what double-crosses have happened. Then they keep piling on and on, and confusion sets in regarding who is who and which way is up.
But as the movie continues, even if the mystery does not get simpler, the chemistry between our stars returns. After all, they are actors. Bantering back and forth, they manage to make the source material less grave. Honestly, their jokes and humor go far past where a movie like this normally does. But I think Lively and Kendrick know what movie they are in, and ham it up in purpose. It helps the hour and 45 pass a little faster.
Staring at the beautiful Italian locations and exciting fashion choices reminds us of the financing behind this movie. Jeff Bezos and his company have deep pocketbooks. Yes, the idea of the same company that does same-day delivery and easy return of the drill I just bought making movies is a little upsetting. But hey, if you get the money to shoot scenes in on beautiful shores and villas, then I’m in.
So if you wanna watch two movie stars make mommy blog jokes and insult each other like two best friends who’ve known each other too long, then turn on Amazon Prime’s Another Simple Favor.
Rating: My heart loved it; my brain hated it
Another Simple Favor is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video
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