The sequel “Murder Mystery 2” has Jeremy Garelick taking over as director and James Vanderbilt returning to write the screenplay. “Murder Mystery,” a popular movie on Netflix, featured Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler in a plot filled with exotic locations and mysterious murders. However, the highlight of the movie was the charming banter between the two actors.
Despite being a typical passive and easy-to-watch movie, their characters were reminiscent of an older era of cinema. Audrey and Nick Spitz, a couple from New York who become amateur detectives, were reminiscent of the iconic Nick and Nora Charles, the famous crime-solving couple from the 1930s known for their love of cocktails.
The “Murder Mystery” franchise, including the original film and its sequel, may not have the same charm as classic films like “The Thin Man” series, but the heart of both movies lies in the chemistry between Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler’s characters.
The Spitzes, a couple with a knack for amateur detective work, are reminiscent of Nick and Nora Charles from the 1930s films. While the plot and settings are secondary, the banter and affection between the Spitzes are the main draw.
The films rely on the star power and comedic interplay between Aniston and Sandler, making for a pleasant and enjoyable viewing experience.
The level of satisfaction for “Murder Mystery 2” might depend on how casually the audience is watching it. For those who simply want some amiable background noise, the film, which premiered on Netflix on Friday, may suffice.
The film starts with a recap of what the Spitzes have been doing since the last film and reveals they’ve become full-time private investigators after successfully solving their first case. However, they aren’t getting many clients. That changes when the Maharajah, a friend from the first film, invites them to his wedding and flies them out to his private island and then to Paris.
Fans of Sandler’s films, who have accused him of using movies as an excuse to travel with friends to beautiful locations, will find “Murder Mystery 2” no different.
The sequel features exotic locations and elevated action, particularly after the Maharajah is kidnapped and an MI6 negotiator arrives to handle the situation. Mark Strong’s presence brings some credibility to the chaos, particularly during the Paris scenes, and provides a straight man for Sandler and Aniston to play off.
However, some of the jokes may feel dated, even by the standards of classic films like “The Thin Man.” One line from Sandler compares marriage to hostage negotiations, while a dance scene at an Indian wedding is unlikely to earn any comparisons to “RRR.”
While the action and grandeur of “Murder Mystery 2” may add some dimension to the film, it does not necessarily make it funnier. However, the undeniable comic chemistry between Aniston and Sandler, who have been great in the previous film, keeps the sequel more enjoyable than it might otherwise be.
In the current climate of comedies on the big screen, there has been a lack of understanding on how to properly utilize the talents of actresses such as Aniston, despite their comedic abilities.
However, even in these films that are only average at best, Aniston’s comedic timing is still evident and she and Sandler make for an endearing and effortless pairing. As with the Charles’ in “The Thin Man,” all they really need to complete the package is a dog.
The movie “Murder Mystery 2” is a Netflix release that has been rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association due to violence, bloody images, strong language, suggestive material, and smoking. The running time of the movie is 91 minutes, and it has received a rating of two stars out of four.
The director, Jeremy Garelick, doesn’t seem to add much to the film and fails to deliver on the action scenes, as evident in a poorly choreographed fight in a speeding van. Despite this, the movie’s efficiency is commendable in a time where movies and TV shows are often bloated.
“Murder Mystery 2” is simply disposable entertainment for an hour and a half, but it achieves what it sets out to do. It’s possible that with the release of a third film in the franchise, my opinion of the series may improve even further.
