Another Simple Favor arrives with the difficult task of following up a film that, while not groundbreaking, worked thanks to its freshness, style, and the performances of Kendrick and Lively. This sequel, however, falls short on almost every front. It tries to repeat the formula but without any surprise. There are twists, there’s glamour, there are European locations that look like postcards... but what’s really missing is purpose. Hollywood has been obsessed for years with filming in Europe as a shortcut to sophistication, but here it just feels like an excuse for a team vacation. And it shows. Capri looks beautiful, sure, but does it add anything to the story? Not really. What weighs this sequel down is the constant sense that everything is forced, that the original spark is gone, and that the characters are moving more out of obligation than conviction. Kendrick and Lively remain the best part, although they feel a bit restrained. The plot, on the other hand, deflates quickly, directionless and with an ending that’s both absurd and unnecessary. Worst of all, even though it’s under two hours, it feels long. It’s like when a show you once loved gets renewed for one season too many—and suddenly, everything feels pointless. In short: it’s not a total disaster, but it’s yet another example that not every successful story needs a sequel. Sometimes it’s better to leave things on a high note than to risk ruining the memory.

A Simple Favor is one of those films that seems like one thing, then becomes another, and ends up being... neither. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, that’s part of its charm. Paul Feig delivers a dark comedy with a touch of thriller that, while not perfect, is quite entertaining and visually delightful. From the first minute, Anna Kendrick wins you over. She’s funny, natural, and full of spark. And even if Blake Lively might rub some people the wrong way off-screen, here she absolutely nails the role. The story plays with clichés about the perfect woman, hidden secrets, and twists designed to keep you guessing. Some land better than others, but overall, it holds your interest. It’s true the ending stretches things a bit, as if unsure how to tie up all the chaos, but it still holds together thanks to its playful tone and the charm of its leads. The film also shines in its visual presentation: costume design, cinematography, and music all enhance that mix of sophistication and twisted humor, making A Simple Favor stand out from the crowd. It may not be a genre classic, but it's definitely a stylish and enjoyable ride. And with a glass of wine in hand, it goes down even smoother. And by the way, I absolutely love the song Laisse tomber les filles by France Gall. It fits perfectly here.

The Defenders is the closest thing you'll get to a superhero crossover without leaving Netflix’s universe. And while it doesn’t go all-in on everything, it’s definitely engaging and entertaining. Bringing Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist together in one story is a treat for fans, and the best part is it doesn’t drag on — eight well-paced episodes with no filler. That said, there are moments where the group dynamics don’t fully click. Sometimes it feels like Luke Cage could handle everything on his own — just by walking, no kicks needed — and at others, you wonder why he doesn’t. And while the show works overall, the absence of a character like The Punisher is definitely noticeable. He would’ve been a perfect fit and could’ve raised the stakes a lot. Sigourney Weaver adds gravitas to the villain role, and some of the dialogue between characters sparkles, though others fall into well-worn clichés. Still, the pace picks up as the story progresses, and once everyone kicks into action mode, things take off. All in all, The Defenders feels like a reunion of old friends who might not be perfect together, but they’ve got enough charisma to make you want to stick around and see what happens next. And that’s saying something.

Dopesick isn’t easy to watch, but it’s definitely easy to recommend. Harsh, raw, and essential, it dives headfirst into one of the most devastating health crises of recent decades: the opioid epidemic in the United States. It doesn’t pull any punches, weaving together characters from every angle — doctors, FBI agents, victims, prosecutors — with a common enemy that has a very real name: Purdue Pharma. And the most chilling part is that everything it shows actually happened. Michael Keaton is outstanding, but he’s not the only one who shines. There are moments of intense drama and emotion, always with the same message in sight: this is a story about a system that allowed a pharmaceutical company to buy influence, lie shamelessly, and cause thousands of deaths while making billions. And although justice arrives late, at least it arrives. Narratively, it may lose a bit of pace at times, and the constant timeline shifts can be disorienting at first, but once it all starts to come together, the result is gripping. And when the puzzle pieces finally fit, the impact is huge. Dopesick is one of those series that stirs you and makes you think — but also keeps you hooked. Exactly what a great true story should do.

Revenge is one of those films that grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go until the very last shot. Coralie Fargeat makes her debut with a brutal revenge story, without needing too much dialogue or unnecessary frills, letting the images —gory, shocking, almost hypnotic— do all the talking. It’s easy to see now where that strong visual style in The Substance comes from. The evolution of the main character is one of those things that slowly sinks in without making a fuss. She starts off as a walking cliché and ends up becoming something wild and empowering. The feminist angle is there, but it doesn’t feel forced; it just flows naturally as you watch every blow and every wound shape someone who refuses to stay a victim. The pace gets a bit over the top at times, and a few moments stretch credibility, but Fargeat’s raw energy makes you not care. What matters is the rage pulsing through every scene and how it pulls you in. Revenge is dirty, violent, cathartic, and, most of all, seriously entertaining.