The Spitz’s are back in Murder Mystery 2. Four years after the events in Murder Mystery, Nick (Adam Sandler) and wife Audrey (Jennifer Aniston) have found their passion. Combining Nick’s experience as a police officer and Audrey’s encyclopedic knowledge of mystery novels seems like a no brainer. The two have formed their own private investigation company, which is as successful as you would imagine. The stress of their middling business is weighing on them and their marriage. Luckily, the Maharajah (Adeel Akhtar) calls to let them know he is getting married to the beautiful Claudette (Melanie Laurent). He has arranged an all-expenses paid trip to his private island for the wedding.
As soon as the Spitz’s arrive, they meet quite the cast of characters… or suspects. From The Maharajah’s sister Saira (Kuhoo Verma) to his ex-lover Countess Sekou (Jodie Turner-Smith) and former soccer ladies’ man Francisco (Enrique Arce). All things considered, it would not be a party without some old faces like Colonel Ulenga (John Kani). When the Maharajah gets abducted, the Spitz’s vow to get him back. Until they are quickly replaced by real pros like Miller (Mark Strong) and good ole Inspector Delacroix (Dany Boon). That will not stop the Spitz’s as they travel throughout Paris cracking the case…with hopefully a smaller body count this time.
Jeremy Garelick directed Murder Mystery 2 while James Vanderbilt, who also wrote the original, is back for the sequel. Sandler and Aniston have tons of chemistry that has grown from their numerous projects together. Being the Spitz’s allows them the opportunity to play off of each other. They seem to be having a great time in the roles and that translates on screen. Anyone who is a fan of Murder Mystery will enjoy the sequel. The same type of humor is present throughout and it is full of running gags. Yes, that means Nick still manages to find something to eat as much as humanly possible.
Garelick and Vanderbilt did not set out to reinvent what had been built in the first film. There are certain changes that Garelick employs, most of which only take away from the film, unfortunately. Garelick introduces some strange camera angles and slow motion. These moments of over-the-top CGI are completely unnecessary and even jarring at times. Part of the charm of the Spitz’s was how clueless and incapable they were of certain things. Strangely Nick now is overly capable, especially at fighting. If this becomes a trilogy, the next creative team needs to make sure to not cross the loveable loser line. That defines the Spitz’s and has to continue to be present in future films. When the dust settles, Murder Mystery 2 is not as good as its predecessor. However, it certainly does enough to be an enjoyable watch and leave you wanting another adventure with the Spitz’s.
Murder Mystery 2 is streaming now on Netflix.
