Spoilers ahead...
Plot: A Vacation Turned into Murder Mystery
On their
15th marriage anniversary, the American couple Nick Spitz (Adam Sandler) and
Audrey Spitz (Jennifer Aniston) decide to go for a European vacation. Nick is
trying to become a detective but keeps failing the exams for it, while Audrey
is a hairdresser. Audrey happens to meet a certain rich guy, Charles Cavendish
(Luke Evans), on the flight, and accepts the invitation to his uncle's yacht
for a family gathering. Unfortunately, what sounded like a fun time ends up in
a murder mystery when Charles' uncle dies there.
Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston Have Great Chemistry in This Netflix Original
These
kinds of movies remind me of marriage functions, very few of which I attended
in my life for the sole purpose of awesome food even if it means sitting
through boring activities. Similarly here, when the story is not on the murder
case, the movie entertains as we see Nick and Audrey have casual talks about
anything from daily life routines to gossips. It's enjoyable because of Adam
Sandler and Jennifer Aniston having such great chemistry and comic timing,
especially related to food or being a miser. Even their small fights or
arguments are fun to watch. For instance, the scene where Audrey is telling a
flaw about Nick who takes offense and, in response, does the same about Audrey.
Murder Mystery: Silly Whodunnit Undermined by Average Writing
But when
the focus shifts towards the case and who did it, there's not really much good
to talk about. In fact, the whole whodunnit feels more silly, at times boring,
and just not at all layered out thanks to very average writing.
Adeel Akhtar and John Kani Provide Some Laughs
Of all
the other characters, I liked Maharajah (Adeel Akhtar), especially his opening
scene where he makes Nick and Audrey bow many times. Colonel Ulenga (John Kani)
provides a few laughs too, while Grace Ballard (Gemma Arterton) gets the
dialogue of the movie about how women are always acting. Luke Evans is good,
and for a large portion, I fell for the trap that he is the murderer.
It's a
mixed bag when it comes to the jokes; some land very well while others miss the
mark. I like the reaction of Audrey when told how much earbuds cost on a
flight. Also, how Nick is unhappy to learn that euros cost more than American
dollars. The poor shooting skills of the duo also lead to some good laughs.
That
hotel scene where Nick and Audrey try to get into another hotel room through
the ledge was funny, but at the same time, I couldn't help but overthink why
anyone who isn't trained would try to risk their life knowing a slight slip
will lead to a more painful death.
Verdict on Murder Mystery
Overall,
Murder Mystery turns out to be just average despite the great chemistry between
Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston. Yet I will point out it belongs to that
section of average movies that you won't mind watching again (mainly on TV),
hence that example of marriage functions earlier. Can easily qualify in the list
of ‘Guilty Pleasure’ movies.
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