Murder Mystery 2 Movie Analysis: Very Few Enjoyable Moments

Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston chemistry aside, not even worthy of being a guilty pleasure.

Directed by: Jeremy Garelick

Imdb link -> Murder Mystery (2023) - IMDb

" You've done hostage negotiation ?

I'm married to this lady. Everything's a negotiation. I got it.”

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Spoilers ahead...

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Plot of Murder Mystery 2: Another Whodunnit

Nick Spitz (Adam Sandler) and Audrey Spitz (Jennifer Aniston) have been struggling to make money out of new cases and their failed detective agency after getting famous in their previous chance detective case at their 15th-anniversary vacation. They couldn't have asked for a break at a better time when Maharajah (Adeel Akhtar) invites them to his wedding. We already know what happens when the Spitzes attend an invite; in this case, Maharajah gets kidnapped, and we have another whodunnit.

Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston at an Indian Wedding

It was adorable to watch Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston try to dance to Indian wedding songs, with some good music choices like the 'Ghungroo' track from War or some Punjabi ones. Audrey tries to fill her plate full of food and then feels guilty later. Nick and Audrey remember how they gifted flip-flops at their wedding while they are getting new iPhones here. I wish this film had stayed based on the Indian wedding setting and didn't shift to the Paris locales, Eiffel Tower, etc., which it sadly does after 10 or so minutes.

Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston are once again great to watch for their amazing chemistry and comic timing, yet they are offered poor dialogues and situations. The laugh-out moment for me was when Audrey is worried that Colonel (John Kani) is going to have no arm left the way he keeps trying to save people, and when she mimics that weird laughter of one of the characters.

Few Likeable Characters in Murder Mystery 2

If I felt the other characters were not interesting enough in the last film 'Murder Mystery', then this one is even worse in that regard, with not a single likeable character except for Francisco (Enrique Arce), who plays a lusty guy and keeps coming onto Audrey, giving some awkward yet fun moments. Just a reminder, Enrique is our very own Arturo from Money Heist. What's worse this time around is that the case is sillier, and it won't take long before you can deduce the possible killers.

Some fun moments I found were Nick using whale noises as his alarm tune. I even liked the ringtone he had set, 'an Indian Punjabi track,' for Maharajah, who probably must have helped him with that. The puzzle way of suggesting to pick the damn gun and shoot in the van from Nick was another funny sequence. Also, how last time around Nick missed driving a Ferrari, and it's a Lamborghini this time.

Verdict on Murder Mystery 2

Overall, Murder Mystery 2, I would mainly remember for the Indian wedding scenes. It is way below average and not the kind I would even want to watch again for guilty pleasures. I would prefer a better lighthearted whodunnit movie than this.

Rating: 4/10

Also, Check Out Movie Analysis of Murder Mystery

Murder Mystery Movie Analysis: A Lighthearted Whodunnit

Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston chemistry saves this average whodunnit detective comedy.

Directed by: Kyle Newacheck

Imdb link -> Murder Mystery (2019) - IMDb

"You're an actress, right ?

All women are actresses, dear. I'm just clever enough to get paid for it.”

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Spoilers ahead...

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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.

Rating: 5.5/10

Also, check out Movie Analysis of Decision To Leave

Decision To Leave Movie Analysis: Atmospheric but Complex

Has a atmospheric beauty to admire, but the complex character of female lead including unconvincing 3rd act ruins the film.

Directed by: Park Chan-wook

Imdb link -> Decision To Leave (2022) - IMDb

"The moment you said you loved me, your love is over. 

The moment your love ends, my love begins.”

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Spoilers ahead...

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Plot: A Korean Mystery Thriller Where Cop Falls in Love with a Case Suspect

A man is found dead at a mountain peak in Busan, South Korea. Detective Jang Hae-joon (Park Hae-il) arrives at the crime scene and begins investigating whether it was a suicide or a murder. Jang immediately suspects the dead man's wife, Song Seo-rae (Tang Wei), of being involved. The more he investigates, the more he is drawn to Song, feeling an irresistible desire building.

The fact that Jang Hae-joon suffers from insomnia and frequently travels between his workplace and Ipo, where his wife Mee-jee (Jung Yi-seo) lives, adds depth to his character. He becomes active whenever a new case arises (a cliché), and his sleep deprivation means his mind isn't fresh, which is why he becomes obsessed with Song Seo-rae, even when it seems clear she is the murderer.

3rd Act of Decision To Leave Doesn’t Impress

Song Seo-rae is an interesting character who always seems suspicious. Her behavior, unusual laugh, and mysterious aura keep the audience guessing, as we are never given direct answers. This is why I couldn't fully enjoy the third act; I wanted valid reasons for her actions and her disastrous end. Her motivations for killing aren't justified, even if she is clever enough not to get caught.

Complex Narrative and Innovative Filming by Park Chan-wook

The film shows Song Seo-rae as Chinese and Jang Hae-joon as Korean, adding to the confusion as they often use a translator app, which I felt didn't fully translate the words. A song related to 'foggy night' and a scene where Jang's wife questions why Song would live in Ipo with her new husband just to enjoy the fog, while most people avoid it, adds to the mystery. The 'fog' likely symbolizes Song's character and the film's overall atmosphere, making direct conclusions elusive.

The narrative style further adds to the mystery, with innovative filming techniques showing conversations as if characters are face-to-face, creating a false (or perhaps true) sense of closeness. Comical moments mostly come early through Jang's colleague/friend, while the narrative focuses on a romantic tension that builds toward an erotic moment, which the director shies away from every time.

Verdict on Decision To Leave

Overall, Decision to Leave is a Korean film I liked for its atmospheric beauty. If only Song Seo-rae's character wasn't as complex and some questions weren't left unanswered.

Rating: 6/10

Also, Check Out Movie Analysis of The Son

Gaslight Movie Analysis: Pavan Kirpalani sadly disappoints

After Phobia, this is way below par movie from Pavan Kirpalani, works neither as whodunnit nor as a drama.

Directed by: Pavan Kirpalani

Imdb link -> Gaslight (2023) - IMDb

"Har woh cheez jisne mujhe daraaya hai, wahin se mujhe apne saare sawaalo ke jawaab milenge.”

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Spoilers ahead...

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Plot of Gaslight: Sara Ali Khan Tries to Solve the Mystery of Her Missing Father

Meesha (Sara Ali Khan) returns to her royal family estate for the first time since childhood to visit her father, with whom she hasn't spoken in more than a decade. She is welcomed at the palace by her stepmother Rukmini (Chitrangda Singh). Soon, she learns that her father isn't home and has gone for some important work. The rest of the story deals with how Meesha feels something is off and that her father (whom she calls Daata) should have been home, knowing she was coming to meet him after such a long gap.

A Crime Mystery with Clichéd Twists

These days, most mystery suspense films have two twists. Once the first twist is revealed, we suddenly learn there's a bigger one that was kept hidden. Now, I am not against this, but for that second big twist to work, I feel the first one has to be good enough too; otherwise, it just gives a feeling of the makers having no confidence, so they play it safe.

In "Gaslight," the same problem occurs. It would hardly take you 15-20 minutes max to predict that first twist, largely because the writing team didn't do enough work on the character of Kapil (Vikrant Massey), the estate manager who all the time gives you the feeling that he isn't what he is showing. Also, it's one of the weakest performances of Vikrant Massey as it lacked freshness and felt seen before, making you feel he's getting typecast.

The second twist is good but questionable too because you have to backtrack and understand why Meesha behaves like she does in some of the scenes. To be honest, I don't have the patience to give the movie another chance for that.

Initial Horror Setup Works in Gaslight

I did enjoy the initial horror setup; for a while, I was hoping that there was actually either some ghost at work or some black magic in play. Although the dark night settings felt way too dark at times, making it tough to see what's happening, something I felt while watching the trailer too. The entire blind woman act was silly, even if later the real intention is shown, it was so hammy that any smart person wouldn't buy it.

Performance-wise, everyone falters mostly because the writing is average. Chitrangda Singh is likable for the most part, while Sara Ali Khan felt okay-ish and irritating at places. Rahul Dev feels wasted; maybe the idea was that less of him would mean he is the real suspect, but that still didn't work out. I haven't seen him much in the past few years, so it was still good to see him in the limited screentime.

Verdict on Gaslight

Overall, I was expecting more than just an average movie from Pavan Kirpalani, as he has done some good work in the past, especially Phobia, but Gaslight neither works as a whodunnit nor as a drama.

Rating: 4/10

Also, Check out Movie Analysis of Double XL

Double XL Movie Analysis: A Subject not treated properly

One of those ‘if only’ movies where you wonder why did the director take a wrong route of telling the story.

Directed by: Satram Ramani

Imdb link -> Double XL (2022) - IMDb

"Gym aur Diet jaise naye dost banane ki koshish ki, magar unn saalo ki yaari na pakki nahi thi."

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Spoilers ahead...

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Plot: Talks About Fat Shaming with Sonakshi Sinha and Huma Qureshi in the Lead

Two overweight women, Saira Khanna (Sonakshi Sinha) and Rajshree Trivedi (Huma Qureshi), have dreams like anyone else. Saira wants to open her own fashion brand, while Rajshree aims to be a successful sports (cricket) presenter. Both fail, not because they lack talent, but because their weight means opportunities land in other people's hands. A chance meeting between Saira and Rajshree connects them, and they both go to London to try to make their dreams come true.

It's a taboo topic initially approached well when we see how a guy taunts Rajshree, telling her she may need to lose weight to be a sports presenter. This harsh truth highlights the very low number of plus-size female presenters. The fat-shaming isn't limited to the two industries shown in the film; it’s something prevalent everywhere, often normalized, as seen in many movies.

Poor Decision to Keep Double XL Too LightHearted

Unfortunately, the topic isn't explored as it should have been. Only one outburst scene stands out, where Rajshree's audition is canceled because her photo suggested low viewership for the 'sports presenter' job, despite her talent. This scene, free of comical background music, genuinely conveys Rajshree's pain. It's a pity that in her short interview with Kapil Dev (who plays himself), the voice is cut off, rendering the scene ineffective.

The love interests of Saira and Rajshree, played by Zoravar Rehmani (Zaheer Iqbal) and Srikanth Sreevardhan (Mahat Raghavendra), have some funny moments but often derail the movie from its main topic. Some scenes feel cringe-worthy. The message that it's okay to be overweight shouldn't come at the expense of promoting unhealthy eating habits. A scene where Saira and Rajshree overeat junk food to feel better could have been impactful if shot without the prevailing comical tone, similar to a scene in The Whale. Additionally, Saira's fashion designs in the final act didn’t seem flattering, making it hard to appreciate.

Emotional Impact and Missed Opportunities in Double XL

Both Sonakshi Sinha and Huma Qureshi are suited for their roles but needed a more serious script and better execution of the topic, which feels lost in the second half.

Among the supporting cast, Shobha Khote and Kanwaljeet Singh are underutilized, lacking meaningful scenes. Jimmy Shergill's cameo is a rare well-written moment.

The performances by Sonakshi Sinha and Huma Qureshi highlight their potential in serious roles, but the script does not fully support their efforts. The supporting cast fails to leave a significant impact due to underdeveloped roles.

Verdict on Double XL

Overall, 'Double XL' is one of those movies that fails to deliver on a subject that could have done wonders with the right execution.

Rating: 4.5/10

Also, Check out Movie Analysis of RRR

English Songs Discovered in Unique Ways: Part 1

Has it happened to you that you are watching a trailer, a series, or even a film when suddenly a song starts playing, and you are wondering, "Wow, how did I never know about the existence of this song before?"

I myself love to keep track of every newly released Hindi album, but I never do that for English or other language songs.

Here, I will share two such songs every week that I happily discovered by chance through TV show soundtracks or movies, and also why I loved them so much.

Spiraling by Jens Kuross

First Heard in 13 Reasons Why Final Trailer

13 Reasons Why Final Trailer

Full Version Link

Spiraling by Jens Kuross - YouTube

Thoughts on Spiraling

As far as I remember, they didn't use the song in the 13 Reasons Why final season, which they should have. I kept on listening to the track on repeat mode during the corona lockdown time, and it's still one of my favorites. It's a song that I find emotional, haunting, and a touch dark at the same time. And the 'Keep it Spiraling' part plays with your head.

Why don't you ever follow me into my dreams?

Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) by Journey

First Heard in Stranger Things 4 Trailer

Stranger Things Season 4 First Trailer

Original Version Link

Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) by Journey - YouTube

Extended Remix Version Link

Separate Ways Extended Remix - YouTube

Stranger Things Remix Version Link

Stranger Things Separate Ways Video - Youtube

Thoughts on Separate Ways

I know everyone who has seen Stranger Things 4th Season loves 'Running up that Hill' and 'Master of Puppets,' and so do I. But, I feel 'Separate Ways' got a lot less love than it should have because it has to be one of the best-used songs. What's amazing here is that contrary to what the lyrics are, the track in the Stranger Things Remix version (my preferred of all) actually creates that haunting, chilling feel and also sets up the mood for the finale episode.

You know I still love you,

though we touched and went our separate ways.

The Son Movie Analysis: Florian Zeller falters this time

After the fabulous The Father movie, expectations were rock high from Florian Zeller and he couldn’t live upto that.

Directed by: Florian Zeller

Imdb link -> The Son (2022) - IMDb

"It's just, I'm not made like other people. Sometimes I feel like I'm not made for this life.”

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Spoilers ahead...

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Plot of The Son: About Depression and Mental Illness

Peter (Hugh Jackman) is happy with his wife Beth (Vanessa Kirby) and their newborn child Theo. Just then, his ex-wife Kate (Laura Dern) knocks at his door, giving him news about his son Nicholas (Zen McGrath) who hasn't been himself for quite a while. She recently discovered, thanks to a call from school, that he's been skipping school for over a month. The rest of the story deals with acute depression and mental illness, as Peter and Kate try to get Nicholas happy and safe.

Florian Zeller Couldn’t Repeat His Last Film Heroics

Florian Zeller last directed The Father, which was a complex and very horror-like look at dementia in old age, where as a viewer, we never knew if what we saw was real or just an imagination from an excellent Anthony Hopkins. 'The Son,' however, is much simpler, at least on the surface, and is a lot more dramatic, trying to get your emotional support rather than building it organically. And that's where this film disappoints.

There's a lot going on, which is why it's still a decent watch. We have worrying parents who want their son to get well, yet many times they are not able to see the red flags or how easily they get manipulated to believe what their son tells them. I don't know if I should call this bad writing or if its part of parental challenges.

Two Key Scenes Highlight Writing Flaws in The Son

Two scenes made me very surprised. One is when Nicholas joins a new school mid-semester, and Peter doesn't care to secretly follow Nicholas for at least a few days, if not a week, because surely it would cross his mind, 'What if my son is again skipping? So, why not confirm it?' The other one is where Peter and Kate make a huge decision to bring Nicholas back home rather than getting him the psychiatric treatment his current condition demands. Why on earth would they leave a gun in the bathroom? In fact, any parent would ideally go home and remove all pointy things like knives or anything that can help him kill himself, way out of his reach. Totally hard to believe any caring parent of a teenage son suffering from depression would make such a blunder.

Missed Opportunity: The Son Fails to Capture Nicholas's Perspective

These few mistakes could have been ignored if we were shown more of what Nicholas felt he was going through. Instead, we just keep getting scenes where he says the lines, 'I am in pain.' In the last film, 'The Father,' the narrative was excellent because it was told from the point of view of Anthony Hopkins, whom we could never trust, yet many times we felt bad for him. There was always a contradictory feeling all the time. How different 'The Son' would have been if it was told from Nicholas's point of view throughout making it a great psychological thriller. All the scenes of Peter's workplace didn't really add much to the narrative apart from showing how distant he was from Nicholas in this serious phase. It would have been good to see what was cooking inside Nicholas's head at a few occasions or show some of his walks when he skips school. Just saying this person is suffering from depression isn't enough.

Hugh Jackman, Vanessa Kirby, and Laura Dern Deliver Likeable Performances

What does work for me is the use of flashbacks from a trip when Peter, Kate, and Nicholas were very happy. We can see how Peter feels guilty that maybe it's his fault that Nicholas has changed so much now. His divorce had a deep effect on his son, and he is unable to do anything now. Hugh Jackman excels in the role despite the writing team not giving him enough to shine through; he still brings out a desperate father who wants Nicholas to be fine but time and again brings out the parenting he himself received (interestingly, Anthony Hopkins plays his dad in a very well-done one scene they have) by making Nicholas go through questions he doesn't want to be asked.

Both Vanessa Kirby and Laura Dern are pretty good too. You can feel Beth is trying her best in the challenging conditions, and she's brave to directly say to Peter that Nicholas's headspace isn't right and not someone who should be trusted. To be honest, I felt that if Beth was the mother of Nicholas, maybe she would have been a lot more careful. The 'Death can wait' scene is emotional; it did get to me, and for a moment, I believed that maybe it's real and they did save Nicholas.

Verdict on The Son

Overall, The Son, boasting of a great cast and the director that gave us the wonderful ‘The Father,’ doesn't live up to the expectations.

Rating: 6/10

Also, Check out Movie Analysis of The Whale