Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston follow up one of Sandler's biggest Netflix hits with the enjoyable comedy sequel MURDER MYSTERY 2.
Lightweight, throwaway and fun, the sequel visits Nick and Audrey four years after the events of the last film. They've taken their fame (infamy?) from the events of the last film and become a full-time husband and wife detective team.
Things aren't exactly going gangbusters.
They're invited to the over-the-top, uber rich wedding of their pal Vikram "The Maharajah" Govindan from their first adventure. It takes place on his private island that puts the Maldives to shame. Wherever they filmed these scenes, we're adding it to our list. The event sets up plenty of laughs, especially seeing Nick's NYC cop never even try to adapt his class level anywhere beyond the Bronx. Sandler is in his element and Aniston is in fine form soaking up the good life.
When the Maharajah (the hilarious Adeel Akhtar from "The Big Sick") is kidnapped in the middle of his massive wedding, suspects abound. His fiance Claudette (Melanie Laurent from "Inglorious Basterds") seems way too good for him and too good to be true. His ex is a Countess with an agenda and a lethal sidekick whose biggest weapon seems to be her cloying laugh.
French Detective Inspector Delacroix (Dany Boon) is back in all his smoke ring blowing glory. He's all too familiar with Nick & Audrey's habit of getting in way over their heads.
Mark Strong (The Kingsman, 1917) steals the movie as Miller, the head of an elite kill squad that emerges out of the sea to save the Maharajah.
The Netflix budget is well spent on incredible international locations, large-scale action scenes and plenty of laugh-out-loud stunts. Nick and Audrey's destructive ride through Paris after being grabbed by bad guys is a highlight, as is a funny and violent showdown atop the Eiffel Tower.
MURDER MYSTERY 2 is a fast-paced, fun comedy thriller that clocks in under 90 minutes and gets an enjoyable B. No heavy lessons, no giant agenda, just an hour and a half of pure popcorn. Sometimes on a Saturday night at home, that's all you want!
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