Four years ago, American couple Nick (Adam Sandler) and Audrey Spitz (Jennifer Aniston) inadvertently found themselves at the epicenter of a murder during their vacation in Europe. Thanks to their exclusive skills gleaned from paperback detective novels, the couple not only skillfully deflected suspicion from themselves but also helped the investigation identify the real culprit! After such an experience, how could they return to their old lives? The couple bid farewell to their professions and invested all their savings in a new detective agency, which, however, is in no hurry to pay off. While Nick seeks answers in whale songs, Audrey begins to suspect that her husband isn’t trying hard enough to be a detective. Fortunately, the couple has maintained useful connections from their past crime-solving adventure. Amidst the crisis, Nick receives a call from Vikram, a.k.a. the Maharaja (Adeel Akhtar), who invites the Americans to a grand Indian wedding.
Nick and Audrey embark on an unforgettable journey to a luxurious private island. Of course, the situation almost immediately spirals out of control: unknown individuals kidnap Vikram and demand a colossal ransom. Among the suspects are the missing groom’s bride (Mélanie Laurent), her countess friend (Jodie Turner-Smith), the groom’s sister (Kuhoo Verma), and a business partner (Enrique Arce). Nick and Audrey decide to save their friend and prove that their detective agency exists for a reason. However, the family has other plans: they call in former MI6 agent Connor Miller (Mark Strong) and his team. The kidnappers await the ransom and arrange a meeting in Paris, and Miller needs negotiators. Say no more! Nick and Audrey have already packed their bags—they’re flying to France.
Jennifer Aniston as Audrey Spitz in a still from “Murder Mystery 2”
Murder Mystery 2: A Familiar Formula
“Murder Mystery 2” is a logical continuation of “Murder Mystery,” cleverly fitting into the production canon of Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison studio. The comedy confidently maintains the level of the previous hit and gives the audience exactly what it promises, and not a smile more. The entertaining performances of Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler neatly wrap around a crime, the mystery of which, as before, won’t take long to solve. The action scenes quickly lose their momentum, so you barely notice them. It’s as if there’s a little bit of everything—a bit of comedy, a piece of action, something from a detective story, a kiss from a rom-com—but nonetheless, “Murder Mystery 2” can hardly be called a failed film. It will surely appeal to viewers looking for bright colors and comedic actors who aren’t afraid to show the absurdities of their characters and turn any nonsense into good-natured fun.
Adam Sandler as Nick Spitz in a still from “Murder Mystery 2”
A Comedy That Doesn’t Take Itself Too Seriously
Don’t confuse “Murder Mystery 2” with classic investigations in the style of Agatha Christie—it’s a film that turns the genre on its head. It uses the canons of detective fiction only to laugh at them and show how absurd a crime can become if the case involves characters who constantly get into trouble. Watching the adventures of Nick and Audrey is almost like watching the adventures of Tom and Jerry, because we always know that the main characters will survive any difficulties, get away with scratches, and be ready for new adventures in a few minutes. By the way, the ending of “Murder Mystery 2” openly hints that a third installment of the franchise is already in the works.