Murder mystery 2 movie review 2023

JHave you ever revisited a movie and found yourself enjoying it more than you did the first time around? That's what happened to me with "Murder Mystery," the 2019 comedy/thriller starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston. I originally gave it a modest two stars, but now I think it deserves another half-star as a solid diversion. Sandler's charm is once again the strength of the film, and the relatively tight runtime of 90 minutes keeps the humor from becoming bloated or meandering.

In "Murder Mystery 2," Sandler returns as Nick Spitz, an NYPD officer turned private detective who works alongside his wife, Audrey (Aniston). The couple are struggling to make ends meet when they're invited to a lavish wedding in a tropical location by the Maharajah from the first film. Of course, things go awry, and the Spitzes find themselves caught up in a kidnapping plot that takes them through the streets of Paris.

While the mystery of the title is merely a way to drive the plot from one set piece to another, the film's humor is still effective, and the chemistry between Sandler and Aniston is undeniable. The supporting cast, which includes Melanie Laurent, Jodie Turner-Smith, Kuhoo Verma, Enrique Arce, and Mark Strong, all understand how to make an impact without distracting from the momentum of the piece.

Director Jeremy Garelick keeps things moving along nicely, even if the action scenes could use a bit more polish. But in an era of bloated feature films and television shows, the efficiency of "Murder Mystery 2" is a welcome change. It doesn't aspire to be anything more than disposable entertainment for 90 minutes, and it succeeds admirably at that goal.

Perhaps it's just that we need more easy-to-watch, diverting content in the 2020s than we did pre-pandemic. Regardless of the reason, "Murder Mystery 2" is a solid diversion that will keep you entertained for its entire runtime. It may not be the greatest comedy/thriller ever made, but it gets the job done and does it with a smile. Who knows? Maybe I'll even like it more the next time I revisit it.

Other type review for subscribers in below

The world of comedy is often subject to the shifting sands of time, as audiences' tastes and the events of the day can greatly impact what is considered funny. For instance, in 2019, the Adam Sandler-led "Murder Mystery" received a lukewarm reception from many critics, myself included, who gave it a modest two stars. However, with the release of "Murder Mystery 2," my opinion has shifted somewhat, and I now feel that the film is a solid diversion, deserving of another half-star. This change of heart could be due to the goodwill engendered by Sandler's recent projects, such as "Uncut Gems," "Hustle," and even the relatively enjoyable "Hubie Halloween," or it could simply be that the real world is now in such dire need of distraction that a film like this is more appealing than ever.

In "Murder Mystery 2," Sandler reprises his role as Nick Spitz, a former New York City police officer who, along with his wife Audrey (played by Jennifer Aniston), has become a private investigator. The film's action kicks off when the couple is invited to a luxurious wedding in a tropical locale by the Maharajah, a character from the original film. However, things quickly go awry when the groom's bodyguard is murdered, and the Maharajah is kidnapped. The Spitzes find themselves in the middle of a mystery involving a group of suspects, including the bride, an ex-girlfriend, the sister, a business partner, and an ace negotiator. As they race through the streets of Paris with ransom money and hang from the Eiffel Tower, they must solve the mystery before it's too late.

One of the strengths of "Murder Mystery 2" is Sandler's charm. He brings a likability to the role of Nick Spitz that is essential to the film's success. Aniston, while not given quite enough to do to match her comedic talent, has an easy-going chemistry with Sandler that is undeniable. The two have worked together for years, and it shows in their comfortable rapport. The supporting cast is also strong, with each actor making an impact without distracting from the film's momentum.

Director Jeremy Garelick keeps things moving at a brisk pace, never allowing the film to become bogged down in unnecessary exposition or non-jokes. While he doesn't excel at action, there's something to be said for the efficiency of the film's 90-minute runtime. In an era of bloated feature films and television shows, "Murder Mystery 2" is a refreshing change of pace. It has no aspirations beyond providing disposable entertainment, and it succeeds admirably in that goal.

While "Murder Mystery 2" may not be a film that will change anyone's life, it's an enjoyable diversion that provides a welcome escape from the real world. Sandler's charm and the film's tight pacing make it a solid entry in his recent string of Netflix comedies. Who knows, with the way things are going, we may need "Murder Mystery 3" sooner rather than later.