Murder Mystery 2

The verdict on 2019's "Murder Mystery" might have been a bit too harsh. Or maybe my fondness for Adam Sandler has grown over time. It's interesting how comedy can be influenced by timing and the current state of the world. After a series of lackluster comedies as part of his Netflix deal, I initially gave the comedy/thriller a modest two-star rating. But now, I find myself leaning towards giving it an extra half-star as a solid diversion. Perhaps it's due to the goodwill generated by Sandler's recent projects like "Uncut Gems," "Hustle," and even the relatively enjoyable "Hubie Halloween." Or it could be that my mood has improved since four years ago. Whatever the reason, "Murder Mystery 2" manages to deliver in a similar fashion. Once again, Sandler's charm shines through. Once again, the relatively tight 90-minute runtime keeps the film away from the aimless jokes that weigh down the worst Happy Madison movies. And, once again, it provides an easy escape from the real world for the duration of the feature. Maybe that's something we need more of in the 2020s, particularly after the pandemic. It's a mystery.

In "Murder Mystery 2," Sandler reprises his role as Nick Spitz, a former NYC police officer who, along with his wife Audrey (played by Jennifer Aniston), has transitioned into the realm of crime-solving. They now work as private detectives, albeit struggling to make ends meet. The action picks up after the events of the first film, when the Maharajah (portrayed by Adeel Akhtar) from the original invites them to an extravagant wedding in a tropical paradise. Once again, Audrey and Nick find themselves outsiders in a foreign land, allowing for some humor centered around the concept of "Ugly Americans." However, the focus mainly shifts towards the dynamics of class humor. In both films, the Spitzes face financial difficulties while being surrounded by individuals who casually throw around vast sums of money. These amateur detectives are outsiders not just due to their nationality but also because they hail from a world that seems far removed from the realm of wealth and privilege. Aniston and Sandler excel at conveying this dynamic without resorting to cheap humor.

The Maharajah's wedding is an extravagant affair, complete with group dances and a grand entrance on an elephant. However, chaos ensues when the groom's bodyguard is found murdered, serving as a diversion for the kidnapping of the Maharajah himself. The film introduces a lineup of suspects that includes the bride Claudette (Melanie Laurent), an ex-girlfriend named Countess Sekou (Jodie Turner-Smith), the sister Saira (Kuhoo Verma), a business partner named Francisco (Enrique Arce), and an ace negotiator named Miller (Mark Strong). However, "Murder Mystery 2" is not an intricate puzzle to be solved. The title's mystery merely acts as a device to propel the plot from one comical set piece to another. Before they know it, the Spitzes find themselves racing through the streets of Paris with ransom money, hanging off the Eiffel Tower.

Aniston's character plays more of a supporting role this time around, not given enough to fully showcase her comedic talent. However, she shares an undeniable chemistry with Sandler. Their years of working together are evident in their natural repartee, which is crucial for a film like "Murder Mystery 2." The audience should never question whether the leads even like each other, and that bond remains intact. While the characters aren't particularly deep due to the breakneck pace of the kidnapping plot, Aniston and Sandler compensate by relying on their familiarity as performers. The supporting cast understands their place, making an impact when necessary without distracting from the film's momentum—a common pitfall in Happy Madison productions (I'm looking at you, Schneider).

Director Jeremy Garelick keeps the film on track, though he doesn't excel in the action department—a fight scene in a speeding van feels somewhat clunky in terms of choreography. Nevertheless, there's something to be said about the efficiency of this venture, especially in an era of bloated feature films and television shows. "Murder Mystery 2" has no grand aspirations other than providing disposable entertainment for 90 minutes, and it accomplishes that goal. Who knows, by the time they make a third installment, I might end up liking it even more.

In a world where films often strive for grandeur and intricate storytelling, "Murder Mystery 2" stands as a refreshing example of a movie that knows exactly what it wants to be—a light-hearted and enjoyable escape. Clocking in at a brisk 90 minutes, it doesn't overstay its welcome or burden itself with unnecessary subplots. Instead, it focuses on delivering a fun and entertaining experience for its audience.

Adam Sandler once again proves his comedic prowess as Nick Spitz, effortlessly captivating viewers with his trademark charm and wit. His chemistry with Jennifer Aniston remains a highlight, showcasing the natural camaraderie that has developed between the two actors over the years. While Aniston's character takes a slightly more sidelined role in this installment, her presence is still felt, and she adds a touch of warmth to the onscreen dynamic.

The film's supporting cast also shines in their respective roles, adding depth and humor to the story. Melanie Laurent, Jodie Turner-Smith, Kuhoo Verma, Enrique Arce, and Mark Strong bring their characters to life with memorable performances, injecting the narrative with additional layers of intrigue and amusement.

While director Jeremy Garelick may not be known for his action sequences, he successfully maintains a steady pace and keeps the story flowing smoothly. The film's settings, from the extravagant wedding to the bustling streets of Paris, serve as visually appealing backdrops that enhance the overall experience.

Ultimately, "Murder Mystery 2" is a delightful continuation of the original film, offering a light-hearted blend of comedy and mystery. It may not be a groundbreaking cinematic masterpiece, but it doesn't aspire to be one. Instead, it embraces its role as an entertaining diversion—a chance to sit back, relax, and enjoy a fun-filled ride.

As the credits roll, one can't help but wonder if a third installment of the "Murder Mystery" series is in the cards. And if it is, there's a good chance that the franchise will continue to deliver its brand of lighthearted escapism, leaving audiences eagerly awaiting the next adventure with Nick Spitz and Audrey. Until then, "Murder Mystery 2" remains a pleasant reminder that sometimes all we need is a well-executed comedic romp to whisk us away from the realities of the world—even if it's just for a little while.