A Simple Favour * * * *

          Despite great reviews and top casting I don't think this film is doing really well in Australia. It's got it's weaknesses, not the least being a twisty ending that twists maybe two times too many, but overall it's a very entertaining two hours.

Anna and Blake exude class - and how!

         Anna Kendrick is well cast as the unassuming Mum, Stephanie, with a cooking vlog.  Her son's new school mate has a mum, Emily, who has an intimidating level of front and confidence.  Despite their differences Stephanie and Emily soon become best friends. Emily seems busy and important though somewhat evasive. Then Emily disappears, just like that.  No trace of her.  She is classified as a missing person, but then something happens to suggest foul play.  In the meantime, Stephanie and Emily's husband find themselves mutually attracted.
         But Stephanie does sleuth work and discovers enough facts about Emily to flush her out...
         It's a classic "Double Indemnity" type thriller set today.  The lead characters are excellent, especially Blake Lively who has a way of exuding more class than would seem possible. (She was made for the screen, that one.)
        It's directed by Paul Feig who gave us the excellent Spy a couple of years ago.