‘Murder Mystery 2’ Review – Sandler Sequel Doesn’t Have Same Spark

Logline: Now full-time detectives struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground, Nick and Audrey Spitz find themselves at the center of an international abduction when their friend the Maharaja is kidnapped at his own lavish wedding.

No matter how deep the love, relationships require work. More often than not love is an action word. Once the relationship has reached double digits, it’s not always about romance and intimacy, sometimes it’s just about taking the trash out and taking initiative to keep things fresh. You get out what you put in, so if you want genuine happiness, make the little things just as important as the big ones. More than anything, never take your partner for granted, that is, if you still want them around.

“The Maharajah’s been kidnapped.”

I think it’s safe to say that Nick and Audrey Spitz is not the couple that you want to invite to anything if you value your life. Directed by Jeremy Garelick and written by James Vanderbilt, Murder Mystery 2 is a fun experience but this Sandler sequel doesn’t have the same spark as the original. With the success of recent whodunnits and the general fun of mystery, it only made sense for a second Murder Mystery to be made. Moreover, as the first movie ends with the Spitzs traveling on the Orient Express, we’re left with a large amount of intrigue and potential. What we got felt a bit rushed featuring a mystery that wasn’t very mysterious and isn’t really about a murder. And as I said previously, you can still have fun with it but the comedy is more, “oh, that’s funny” than laugh-out-loud funny. However, when it came to action, number 2 stepped its game up.

“Nicky Two Guns in the house!”

This may be the most action that we’ve seen from Adam Sandler since You Don’t Mess with the Zohan. There are bullets flying, car chases, explosions, and a few really comical action movie trope moments that stand out. Where Sandler’s films never miss are in the heart and humanity department and he succeeds yet again. Regardless of how you feel about the film as a whole, his characters are always relatable and people that you want to root for. This film is no different.

When Nick throws caution to the wind anytime Audrey is in danger, you feel that. When he feels somewhat insecure about his role in his relationship, you feel that. When he gets shot, you really feel that because you know it hurts. Those components are what make all of the Happy Madison films enjoyable. And that’s exactly what this film is, enjoyable. Is it better than the first? No. Is it entertaining? Yes. And is it worth watching a second time? Sure. Will I watch a third? Most definitely. Anytime Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston link up, it’s a good time. The themes, chemistry, and action are what elevate this film from being just okay. It’s an easy watch and one to enjoy with friends. Its rewatchability is medium.

Pacing & Pop

The pacing of the film is just as fast as its predecessor, perhaps even a little faster. Wasting no time setting up an initial problem and getting to the mystery, before you know it, you know who is behind it all. What popped for me were the running gags. Especially the ones that involved Audrey and Francisco as well as the ones with Colonel Ulenga.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Mark Strong, Mélanie Laurent, Jodie Turner-Smith, John Kani, Kuhoo Verma, Enrique Arce, Zurin Villanueva, Tony Goldwyn, Annie Mumolo with Dany Boon and Adeel Akhtar

The chemistry between Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston is undeniable. The delivery, timing, and commitment they have to their roles are crystal clear. And as per usual with most Sadler films, it features a cast full of familiar faces. There aren’t necessarily any standout performances, however, collectively, this ensemble is still lots of fun.

Murder Mystery 2 released in select theaters on March 24, 2023, and is now streaming on Netflix. Remain safe and don’t invite Nick or Audrey Spitz to anything.

Rated: PG-13

Runtime: 1h 30m

Director: Jeremy Garelick

Writer: James Vanderbilt

Producers: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Tripp Vinson, James D. Stern, James Vanderbilt, A.J. Dix, Allen Covert

Executive Producers: Barry Bernardi, Kevin Grady, Julie Goldstein, Lucas Smith, Charlize Theron, Beth Kono, Tim Herlihy, Kyle Newacheck

Co-Producers: Joseph Vecsey, JuditMaull, Jonathan Loughran