Whodunits are in vogue, and this follow-up spoof plucks generously from genre standards while boosting the better aspects of its prequel. Murder Mystery 2 puts Aniston and Sandler in yet more awkward situations where their general incompetence, marital bickering, and unexpected good fortune bring the laughs.
Sure, discerning viewers might pooh-pooh the predictable plot and tire of the insincere delivery of leads Sandler and Aniston (who are perfectly matched in this way). But fans of the first film and/or the ensemble cast will enjoy this sequel, which keeps a brisk pace and successfully hits more comedic beats than its predecessor.
Some gags are funnier than others. The one-eyed, one-armed bodyguard; pompous former M16 agent; and countess-with-cackling-sidekick are all pleasantly silly characters. Sandler fans may expect juvenile innuendo in his movies, but the humor feels musty here in two horny middle-aged men played by Boon (Welcome to the Sticks) and Arce (Money Heist), both actors deserving better.
A more novel trope might be the way international, cosmopolitan characters look down on the unsophisticated Americans. The Spitzes are more than happy to oblige.
Read the full review at Common Sense Media.
Images courtesy of Netflix.