Murder Mystery 2 – Another Serviceable Distraction

Murder Mystery 2 is the sequel to the surprise hit Murder Mystery which premiered on Netflix in 2019 and became Adam Sandler’s most successful film on the platform. The film picks up several years after the events of the first film where Nick (Sandler) and Audrey (Aniston) are now full-time detectives and struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground. After travelling abroad to their friend Maharaja’s lavish wedding, they find themselves at the center of another mystery when The Maharaja (Adeel Akhtar) is abducted, and yet another murder takes place. This is only the second time Sandler has ever appeared in a live-action sequel to one of his own films and thankfully it’s much better this time around. This sequel is breezy, perfectly watchable, and fun enough way to pass the time but it’s ultimately another disposable and instantly forgettable Netflix comedy that never reaches it’s full potential. On par with the first film, those who enjoyed the original will likely have a good time with this one.

Just like the original, Murder Mystery 2 is enlivened by the fun performances and terrific chemistry of Sandler and Aniston who make it more enjoyable with their mere presence alone. They clearly love working together and it’s clear to see as watching their dysfunctional relationship unfold on screen is easily the best part of the film. Meanwhile, the sequel features an even better supporting cast but sadly, the film wastes most of them just like the original. The biggest standout of those is Strong who is given the most to do as Miller and has some really funny moments while playing off Sandler and Aniston. It’s also nice seeing Mélanie Laurent, Jodie Turner-Smith, Tony Goldwyn, and Annie Mumolo pop up in supporting roles but they’re hardly given anything to do in roles that anyone could’ve played. John Kani reprises his role from the original and is once again a standout as Colonel Ulenga who is responsible for some of the film’s best moments.

With the word mystery in the title, one would expect the mystery angle to be the film’s strongest component but unfortunately, it’s the film’s biggest weakness. The mystery is entirely too predictable as it aims more for laughs than genuine surprises, however, that predictability only takes the fun out of it and lessens the impact of its ultimate reveal. The film is also never quite as funny as it should be either, as the comedy is hit or miss. Though offering some big laughs sprinkled throughout, mainly courtesy of Sandler and Aniston, a lot of the humor will either elicit some light chuckles or audible groans depending on the viewer. The film also starts off a little rocky and from there, feels rushed at points. The opening appears to have originally been an entire extended sequence that was edited down to a brief montage in order to trim some fat off the runtime which is a baffling choice as the film is barely even 80+ minutes long without credits. Once the titular murder happens, it finds its footing pretty quickly and manages to entertain for the rest of the running time in spite of the messy story.

In the end, Murder Mystery 2 is a somewhat enjoyable yet middling Adam Sandler vehicle that delivers a light and undemanding watch. It’s a shame that neither of the Murder Mystery films have had a very compelling mystery or more surprises up their sleeves but are nonetheless perfect 90-minute diversions. Whether or not a third film is made remains to be seen but seems to be inevitable if this film amasses the same viewership as the original. Assuming that is the case, hopefully the filmmakers put a little more work into the script and come up with a better mystery. Either way, it’s just great seeing Sandler and Aniston team up once again and continuing to make movies together.

still courtesy of Netflix

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Connor Carey

www.connorsmoviereviews.com/