Murder Mystery 2 - A Netflix Movie Review

Get ready for some action. We’re fighting crime on our vacation.

Murder Mystery 2 is a 2023 sequel. Since the events from the last film, the Spitz’ are now full-time (struggling) detectives. Deciding they need a break, Nick and Audrey take a vacation. While attending a wedding, the groom gets kidnapped in an international abduction.

Counting down the days until Murder Myster 2 was on Netflix, I sat back on the couch and pressed play. Thanks to the brilliant dynamic of Aniston and Sandler, Murder Mystery 2 is non-stop in its comedy and action. The downside is that it had a rushed story.

Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler have chemistry like no other. No other duo could pull off these roles like them. I’d watch anything with them. Their interactions are memorable, constantly bickering or picking at each other. That’s all they do. Nick and Audrey argue the entire time, becoming tiring. This film is more about Aniston and Sandler than anyone else.

Supporting characters were never developed. They’re just there. Mark Strong plays a good villain. Melanie Laurent, Jodie Turner-Smith, John Kani, and Kuhoo Verma were great, but Aniston and Sandler stole the action. I wanted to know more about the characters.

Murder Mystery 2 lacks a story. It’s predictable. They rushed through each scene, focusing on Aniston and Sandler instead of explaining plot elements. Segments of the film could have used more fleshing out, especially with the murder mystery angle.

The film jumps so often that you’re in a new location in the blink of an eye. All the establishments were adequate though we didn’t stay in them long enough.

I want to talk about the action sequences. The action is upped compared to the standards of the first film creating thrilling sequences. I sat forward on the couch during the car chase. But which did the movie want to be? Action or comedy? The action overshadows the comedy side of the film as well as the murder mystery.

The climax of the Eiffel Tower was an exciting ending. I was not expecting this climax. The crew was allowed to film there, but at 2 am only! You have to appreciate everyone involved who worked to make this ending memorable.

Jeremy Garelick focused on the dynamic between the duo but should have paid better attention to the side characters and overall story. Elements from the first film were recycled. Studying the dynamics of the supporting characters would have elevated the film. Relying on comedy, most of the jokes and antics felt forced.

I have read reviews complaining that Murder Mystery 2 wasn’t new. Here’s something that I have not seen anyone talking about. We all know sequels go overboard in trying to implement something new. Murder Mystery 2 takes itself seriously. It’s not over-the-top like some sequels tend to be.

The sequel is a better film than the first. It overruns itself on cliches and our two stars hogging the limelight, but Murder Mystery 2 is what it is. People want entertainment. It doesn’t have to take itself seriously.

As much as I wanted it to have a story, I am still satisfied with what we got. Critics are being too tough on Murder Mystery 2. All it is is a silly film that’s job is to amuse people. I was having fun with it. I was also laughing. The jokes get old, though it’s still a good time.

Ignore others' opinions and watch Murder Mystery 2. It is entertaining. It’s a great comedy pick for the weekend to watch with friends.