A Simple Favor

A Simple Favor

Lionsgate etc.

September 14, 2018

Crime Comedy?

DVD
B

I read the Darcey Bell novel this is based on and found it so bad it was good, so obviously I was curious about this, especially with a director like Paul Feig and a "can't do anything wrong" star like Anna Kendrick.  (I don't hold Pitch Perfect against her.)  I found it delightful, aware of its own outrageousness but still working as a mystery.  (With significant changes from the book.)  I wouldn't quite say it's a great movie, but I was entertained, even through three (!) commentaries.

Bringing Down the House

Bringing Down the House
Buena Vista (i.e. Disney)
March 7, 2003
Comedy
DVD
D+

Thoroughly cliched culture-clash movie, and that's before we get to Latifah's onscreen appearance.  I found myself wishing I was watching the comparatively solid '80s Steve Martin movies All of Me and Roxanne, which at least have a sense of playfulness and wit among the predictability.  Adam Shankman directed this.