In the roaring ocean of film podcasts, Fear and Loathing in Cinema sets itself apart with its irreverent blend of pop culture critique, nostalgic deep-dives, and a razor-sharp, at times almost uncomfortably candid, dissection of cinematic relics that were once scorned but now, with the benefit of time, seem worthy of a second look. Hosted by a group of unpredictable yet undeniably insightful voices; Bryan Kluger, a media director with a sharp sense of irony of offensive things; Dan Moran, a lawyer who brings an often absurd legal perspective of the film industry and Kevin Costner; Preston Barta, a film critic with a taste for the heart-warmingly obscure branch of cinema; and Chelsea Nicole, a culture critic who digs into the nuances of social dynamics and horror; Fear and Loathing in Cinema Podcast thrives in that rare space between sincere analysis and gut-busting humor.
In Episode #107 of Fear and Loathing in Cinema, the gang takes a mysterious dive into A Simple Favor (2018), the thriller-comedy directed by Paul Feig, known for his work on Bridesmaids and Freaks and Geeks. The film stars Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick. two new friends who bond over their two boys going to elementary school. One of these women holds a deep, dark secret that pushes their friendship into a turbulent ocean of betrayal, violence, murder, and dark. comedy.
This Week’s Highlights:
As always, the hosts of this podcast stray far from the beaten path, sidetracking in ways that somehow feel more entertaining than the very movie they’ve gathered to dissect. The absurdities that unfold become a crucial part of the show’s charm, its conversational energy the perfect counterpart to the movie under scrutiny. Among the many bizarre diversions in this week’s discussion:
- Thoughts on this year’s Super Bowl Broadcast?
- What’s with this halftime show?
- Is Travis Kelce leaving Football and going to Hollywood?
- What athletes made good careers out of Hollywood that aren’t Wrestlers?
- A Masters of the Universe remake is still happening and this is who has been cast.
- There is a Green Day Movie happening called New Year’s Rev from Live Natation.
- Anora is winning all the big awards.
And, of course, the gang winds up pondering the most ridiculous hypothetical of all: What is the biggest movie that never came to be? If that’s not a moment of podcast gold, I’m not sure what is.
Movie Analysis: A Simple Favor
In this week’s episode, the hosts return to A Simple Favor, a film that deftly navigates the strange and slippery terrain between slapstick comedy and grisly murder. Directed by Paul Feig, whose signature flair for sharp, impeccable comedic timing has defined much of his oeuvre, the film is an experiment in tonal whiplash; one that swings wildly between a breezy romantic comedy and a twisty, noir-inspired thriller. The gang takes this opportunity to parse Feig’s attempt at balancing those extremes. Does he succeed in marrying moments of absurdity with the darker narrative beats, or does the film’s unorthodox pacing undermine its premise?
One of the most intriguing aspects of A Simple Favor lies in its tempo, constantly oscillating between frenetic energy and moments of chilling suspense. How does Feig maintain the tightrope walk between humor and tension? Does his trademark ability to deliver a punchline with impeccable precision still resonate here, or does it get lost amid the film’s winding plot twists and whiplash-inducing reveals?
But perhaps the most puzzling question remains: Why a sequel? With its off-kilter sensibility and idiosyncratic beat, does A Simple Favor truly stand the test of time? The film still manages to entertain and shock, but can it captivate a new audience, or will its peculiar blend of genres fade into the rearview? The hosts dive deep into the film’s lasting appeal, dissecting the strange alchemy that has made it a modern cult favorite. As with all of Feig’s work, A Simple Favor offers a lot to unpack, if you can stay in the moment long enough to follow the trail.
The gang also revels in the silliest, most ridiculous aspects of the film:
- Why has Paul Feig not made a good movie in two decades?
- What is the fascination with Blake Lively?
- Does Anna Kendrick play the same part in every film?
- Do you believe Anna’s transformation in this movie?
At the end of the day, the gang’s reflections on A Simple Favor are as unexpected and amusing as the film itself; a suspenseful, wild ride through the tonal shifts of a movie that still manages to buff out the entertainment value with ease and charm, at least for most of this podcast’s squad. But for fans of Fear and Loathing in Cinema, it’s the direction of the conversation that makes this episode truly unforgettable.
The real joy, however, is in the way these hosts want to know why one of their own still has a penchant for hate for this film and its actresses.
Overall, it’s a conversation about what we love, why we love it, and how we can reframe the old to fit into our new context. And when all is said and done, this crew might just convince you to watch A Simple Favor and give it another shot; or at the very least, you’ll leave with a new perspective on what a murderous comedy movie can be in time for the sequel.
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Thank you for listening.
WRITTEN BY: BRYAN KLUGER
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