★★★
A New York cop and his wife go on a European vacation to reinvigorate the spark in their marriage. A chance encounter leads to them being framed for the murder of an elderly billionaire.
Classification: 12A
A surprisingly good time is to be found in Adam Sandler’s latest Netflix comedy which smartly utilises Sandler’s comedic strengths and his character in a humorous and engaging mystery. Sandler’s blue-collar nature is juxtaposed well with an all-star cast of eccentric wealthy narcissists who are vying for a cut of a mass fortune as Murder Mystery really embraces the parody of Clue with jealous heiresses and scarred colonels. While some Sandler films may feel like a vacation for him and his friends, director Kyle Newacheck creates a relatable storyline for the two leads and keeps the madness and action grounded by the chemistry between Sandler and Aniston.
The comedy has its moments, while some jokes can be predictable nothing really breaks the steady stream of chuckles that will join you with your viewing. There are plenty of running gags and comedy that comes from the tropes of mystery novels and films as Aniston’s character is a fan of the genre so she keeps trying to solve what’s happening to varied results. One-liners and the scenarios may seem cliché but it comes down to the actors chewing the scenery and livening up the film with Luke Evans, Adeel Akhtar and Terrance Stamp as highlights in the ensemble.
Pacing wise, Newacheck keeps the intrigue fresh and has the mystery develop in amusing ways, Murder Mystery utilises all the classic ideas to further its story both comedically and dramatically. While some of the third act and reveals maybe a little underwhelming, Sandler and co’s enjoyment of the festivities is contagious. It definitely feels like it’s a journey not the destination type of film as the satisfaction doesn’t come from the reveal of the killer but from Sandler and Aniston reviving their marriage through the adventure and Sandler gaining confidence in his detective skills.
While most may have given up on finding enjoyment from Adam Sandler comedies, Murder Mystery shows how he can still deliver with the right filmmakers. Newacheck’s direction is nothing groundbreaking but his use of the locations, ensemble and action really make the film stand out from any predictable mediocrity that would have come from a more recent Sandler comedy. At no point does Murder Mystery feel like a scam or cash grab as Sandler’s arc while nothing special represents that classic desire to prove yourself to be better than the rich assholes mocking you.
Director: #KyleNewacheck
Cast: #AdamSandler, #JenniferAniston, #LukeEvans, #GemmaArterton, #AdeelAkhtar, #LuisGerardoMendez, #DavidWalliams, #JohnKani, #ShioriKutsuna, #ÓlafurDarriÓlafsson, #ErikGriffin, #MollyMcNearney, #DannyBoon, #TerrenceStamp
Release Date: June 14th 2019
Available Exclusively on Netflix.
Trailer:
Written review copyright ©CoreyBullochReviews
Images and Synopsis from the Internet Movie Database
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