During the SXSW premiere, the duo discussed their connection to their respective characters and Feig's "curveball idea" of shooting in Italy. Kendrick previously told PEOPLE in October that reuniting with Lively on set was "lovely.

It's like "Knives Out" crossed with a cartoon gloss on "White Lotus." But unlike the first film, this bad-moms noir both diverts and drags on.

ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR: Anna Kendrick is so good she almost distracts from a woefully forced-fun, faux-nasty screenplay that’s a massive drop off from the original. Backwards bonus point for Blake Lively playing a woman who goes around threatening lawsuits. #SXSW