The reason behind the existence of Murder Mystery 2 and its predecessor is simple: it’s a star-studded spectacle. Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston are the driving force behind these films, placed in glamorous locations with plenty of action and humor. And with Netflix as the platform, these recognizable shenanigans can be enjoyed by audiences all over the world. The sequel takes it up a notch with even more action and stunts that almost overshadow the plot. The template and characters were established in the original, where our stars found themselves caught up in a murder mystery and had to save the day before the entire cast met their demise.
It’s a familiar trope to pair big lovable stars as a husband and wife duo solving a murder. From the classic Thin Man movies to TV shows like Hart to Hart and McMillan and Wife, audiences have always embraced this concept. The success lies in the casting, not the whodunnit aspect. After proving their on-screen chemistry in Just Go With It, Sandler and Aniston take it a step further by embarking on an Agatha Christie-style adventure through Europe. Starting in an island paradise and eventually ending up in Paris, the duo faces wild car chases and even hangs from the Eiffel Tower. It’s a thrilling ride.
The plot revolves around Nick and Audrey, now full-fledged detectives running their own agency. They accept an invitation to a wedding on a private island, but things take a turn when the groom is kidnapped. As MI6 gets involved, Nick and Audrey find themselves in Paris, where chaos ensues. The Eiffel Tower becomes a pivotal location, with Aniston channeling her inner Tom Cruise and Sandler embracing his inner James Bond.
While the details of the plot may not matter much, the real fun lies in watching Sandler and Aniston enjoy themselves on screen. They bring their comedic talents and likability to the forefront, even if the script lacks a bit of wit. Director Jeremy Garelick does a commendable job holding everything together with thrilling stunts and beautiful locations, but the film could have benefited from slowing down a bit to let the stars shine.
The international supporting cast adds to the film’s appeal, although some of them are underutilized. The chemistry between Sandler and Aniston remains the selling point, and fans will undoubtedly enjoy their performances. The final scene hints at the possibility of more adventures for these sleuths in mouthwatering European locations. Perhaps they could even join the ensemble of the next Knives Out film and go head to head with Daniel Craig. The possibilities are endless.
Produced by Sandler, Aniston, and a talented team, Murder Mystery 2 is now available for streaming on Netflix worldwide.
