A Simple Favor is a delicious, twisty turning fun film full of deception, beautiful people , a vlog, surprises, and friends? Anna Kendrick is Stephanie, super single mom who hosts her video blog, makes the best school food treats, and is conservatively eager to please. When son Miles and his friend Nicky beg for a play date, she agrees when Emily, the cold as ice beautiful Blake Lively, invites Stephanie over for a martini. “Momma needs a reset button.”  Oh my! 

Stephanie has never met anyone like Emily, who drinks, curses, wears power clothes, works in the city, has the hot author husband, and dares Stephanie to be bad. Then the phone call, “Can you pick up Nicky and take him after school for a bit? I’m swamped at work.”   One simple favor turns into days…where is Emily?  Stephanie posts her concern on her vlog. Shaun (the luscious Henry Golding) involves the police. What’s going on?  Then a body in a Michigan lake turns out to be Emily – DNA and tattoo match.  End of movie grieving?

Oh no. That was only the beginning. I won’t give more away. Grab the popcorn tub and hang on for a wild ride in suburbia. Good acting. Lots of twists. And several, “Say what?” moments.

Just A Simple Favor…that’s all. 

Movie Review - Crazy Rich Asians

Crazy Rich Asians met all expectations based on previews. Great cast, good story, some depth, and gorgeous backdrop. It’s a rich film to see on the big screen. Huge thumbs up.  It’s directed by Jon M. Chu adapted from Kevin Kwan’s novel. It’s a swoon worthy romance. Funny, poignant, and entertaining.  Constance Wu is Rachel Chu – Chinese American economics professor from Queens who grew up with a single mom. She’s achieved the American dream. Dating Nick Young (handsome Henry Golding) after a year, he wants her to join him in a trip to Singapore to meet the family. He’s a best man in a wedding. Should be a fun trip….

Turns out Nick comes from mega wealth – a Singapore dynasty. Rachel is the interloper – an American who has no clue. The film covers the visit. When Nick’s mother Eleanor (the fantastic Michelle Yeoh) meets Rachel,  the icy reception is hard to miss. But Nick is so in love, he’s sure that Rachel will charm his grandmother, mother, and family. Oh dear, that’s sweet but so naïve. There’s a lot more depth to the story – the bachelor and bachelorette parties, the backstabbing Singapore family, the welcoming family, Rachel’s old college friend (and true support), and the on-screen energy between Nick and Rachel.  This film works and you root and cringe as the story plays out. There is a lot more to the story – power, parentage, values, money, and love. Singapore looks gorgeous. The concept of really, really rich is brought to the screen. But money doesn’t always buy happiness or security as we see in some side stories.

The key is Nick and Rachel and they are really good together. Go see Crazy Rich Asians and root for them.  This is such a nice end to summer movie season – a film with culture, conflict, passion, and fun film making.  Aah…young love……..

Jon