Sit back and close your eyes. Now, imagine a film from Adam Sandler, where he stars next to Jennifer Aniston in his version of an Agatha Christie-esque mystery. Got it? Okay, now imagine it 10 times worse. Then you might be able to picture “Murder Mystery.”
Granted, I only have the trailer to go off of, but the first footage from the upcoming Netflix film (the fifth he’s made for the streamer) “Murder Mystery” just doesn’t inspire much confidence. You see, the problem with trying to make a quality, classic mystery film, especially one that obviously took inspiration from novels by authors like Christie, is that you have to make sure it’s smart and clever. And sadly, Sandler’s comedies aren’t really known for their intelligence.
And judging by the trailer, “Murder Mystery” doesn’t seem to be breaking the Sandler mold, for better or worse. Obviously, there will be people that eat this up. The man is incredibly popular (especially with the global Netflix audience, apparently), so you’re perfectly justified in enjoying what he’s done. But as you might have guessed by now, it’s just not for me.
If there’s one intriguing aspect of the film that trumps the lame plot and not-funny jokes, it’s that Sandler is reteaming with Aniston for this new film. The last time the duo worked together on a film was 2011’s “Just Go with It,” which might actually be the last comedy from Sandler that wasn’t a complete dumpster fire.
Joining Sandler and Aniston in the film are Luke Evans, Gemma Arterton, Luis Gerardo Mendez, and Terence Stamp.
“Murder Mystery” arrives on Netflix for your enjoyment(?) on June 14.
PS – Before you think I’m a complete Sandler-hater, understand that his dramatic work is actually quite good and I can’t wait to see what he does in the Safdie Brothers’ upcoming “Uncut Gems.” I just don’t think he’s all that funny. *shrugs*
Here’s the synopsis:
When an NYC cop (Adam Sandler) finally takes his wife (Jennifer Aniston) on a long-promised European trip, a chance meeting on the flight gets them invited to an intimate family gathering on the Super Yacht of elderly billionaire Malcolm Quince. When Quince is murdered, they become the prime suspects in a modern day whodunit. MURDER MYSTERY reunites Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston along with an ensemble cast of global talent.
