A SIMPLE FAVOR – Review

Allright movie fans, it’s still fairly warm outside, so why not enjoy a bit of escapist fun before the days get shorter and colder, just ahead of these big “high-falutin'” awards contenders? Yes, we know that kale and broccoli is better for you, but sometimes you just want to dig in to a big sloppy burger, perhaps with a dash or two of hot sauce to make it extra naughty, just like this new flick. It’s steamy and salacious, concerning a scheming seductress who’s up to no good, in one of those pricey, plush suburban “mini-mansions”. It’s a movie adaptation of a good “beach read” (it is based on a novel) starring a trio of our most photogenic film stars, perfectly coiffed and tailored. And what director is calling on the shots on this sexy, stylish modern, noir-ish, who and how “dun it”? Wait, whoa… it’s the guy behind Melissa McCarthy’s biggest comedies. Does that put you “off’ or does it make this movie a lot more interesting? Hopefully the later, as Paul Feig gets out of his humor “comfort zone” to explore the implications of agreeing to take on A SIMPLE FAVOR.

After a jaunty opening title sequence with colored “image strips” of pricey fashions and furnishings (hang on.. there’s a knife in there…and a pistol) set to the French version of a bouncy 60’s pop tune, we’re looking at a computer screen. It’s the video blog (“vlog”) of Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick), a Martha Stewart-wannabe offering tips to harried moms. But just as she’s about to share her recipe for “veggie-infused” brownies, Steph gives an update on her missing friend. Wha? Flashback to a recent rainy afternoon at a grade school in an affluent suburb about an hour or so away from NYC. As she watches her eight year-old son Miles (Joshua Satine) play with best pal Nicky Nelson (Ian Ho), Stephanie volunteers for too many tasks in the upcoming Fall festival. After the bell rings, she walks her son and his pal to the entrance. Miles pleads to have a “play date” with Nicky. “If it’s okay with his mom”, she replies. Then Nicky’s mom appears, the statuesque, stylishly attired Emily (Blake Lively). She’s against the get together until Stephnie agree to come over for a cocktail…or three. The recently widowed Stephanie is bowled over by the plush Nelson estate (dubbed a “a money pit” by Emily), and the handsome Mr. Nelson, Sean (Henry Golding), an acclaimed author who seems to be a “one hit wonder” (the muse has left him). Over the next few weeks the two women with such different personalities became fast friends, dishing and sharing secrets over martinis. Then comes the call from Emily, “I’ve got help out my boss (a world famous clothing designer) in Miami, could you pick up Nicky?”. The too timid Stephanie agrees. But that night, she can’t get past Emily’s voicemail. Sean is in London tending to his ailing mother, but agrees to catch the next plane back. Oh, and Emily’s boss knows nothing of her Florida trip. When the hours turn to days, the authorities are brought in. As Stephanie helps out the Nelsons, she and Sean grow closer. She reaches out to the public via her vlog, which produces a “lead”, which brings her mystery to a tragic end. But has it? As Sean seeks comfort from Steph, weird things occur around the house, and at the school, where Nicky insists he sees his mommy. Sean scoffs, thinking these are tricks of the mind, but Stephanie is now determined to unearth the secrets of Emily, no matter the cost of her new romance or her very life. Can this “super-mom” become a “super sleuth”?

This wild roller coaster romp showcases one of the best big screen duos of the year. This talented team propels the plot, providing a most enthralling chemistry lesson. Since most of the tale is told through her eyes, lets’ start by singing the praises of one terrific singer/actress, Ms. Kendrick. For most of the film she’s doing a most entertaining riff on her uptight/ good gal persona from flicks like UP IN THE AIR and 50/50. Then we slowly see how the Emily character transforms sweet lil’ Stephie into a determined woman on a mission. Kendrick adjusts her expressions and body language (not “closed in”, but ready to pounce), as she realizes that she’s being “played”, slowly morphing from “doormat” to unafraid avenger. Even more than in his famous film trilogy, Kendrick is truly “pitch perfect”. The same can certainly be said for her scene sparing partner, the compelling Ms. Lively. Her Emily is the coolest (almost stone cold) queen of the staple suburb, quick with an insult or an encouraging quip. Much in the vein of Jane Greer in OUT OF THE PAST or Kathleen Turner in BODY HEAT, she makes seduction look effortless, particularly with the “eager for a BFF” Stephanie. In their martini “play dates”, Lively’s Emily is like a crafty feline, using her queries like paws, to push the mouse-like Steph in any preferred direction. But those paws have sharp claws as she lashes out with fury when her pal tries to snap a photo, then much later when she is forced into a corner. After the nearly unwatchable ALL I SEE IS YOU, Lively bounces back with this bravada performance. Golding, fresh off the surprise smash CRAZY RICH ASIANS, proves he’s more than “the hunk of the month” with the role of the often “slow on the uptake” author who seems to be thinking with an organ other than his brain. Both ladies now exactly how to “push his buttons’ and steer him toward their goals. There’s some scene stealers in the supporting cast. Rupert Friend has a great time as Emily’s high maintenance, sneering boss. Jean Smart is a GREY GARDENS-inspired diva who’s a fountain of backstory info during the final act. Bashir Salahuddin is the investigating detective whose affable easy-going demeanor causes those interviewed to let their guard down, allowing him to sneak inside their minds. Linda Cardellini is “tough as nails” playing a bohemian artist from Emily’s past. But some of the biggest laughs come from Andrew Rannells, the most vocal of the “mom trio” that serves as a Greek chorus to the Stephanie-Emily-Sean triangle. His “house husband” Darren is unfliltered and hysterical.

Though the mystery plot is a new one for the gifted Feig, he’s still able to play to his great strengths. As with his biggest hit BRIDESMAIDS he gets wonderful work from his actresses in scenes of friendship and bonding. This is one flick that passes the “Bechdel Test”, engaging in several “male free”  “cut to the bone” conversations. Of course much of the credit for this most go to the witty screenplay by Jessica Sharzer adapting Darcey Bell’s novel. Those early scenes of Emily “feeling out’ and “sizing up” Stephanie just crackle with caustic energy. These are so entertaining that the “big mystery” plot just can’t sustain the fun. The film gets mired in insurance fraud and haunted Summer camps around the one hour mark and looses that breezy momentum, while Stephanie becomes Jessica Fletcher, Jr. far too quickly. Luckily the story gets back on track by the double and triple-crossing finale. As the corpses and deceptions pile up, it almost plays out as a parody of the “woman in danger” Lifetime TV movie or even the psycho-sexual thrillers that comprise the post-midnight fare of premium cable channels (like those, the language here gets pretty “salty”). Still, this doesn’t take away from the great work from the two actresses who couldn’t be a better “match”. Because of them (along with the superb art direction), A SIMPLE FAVOR is simply, devilishly delightful.
4 Out of 5