Murder Mystery

Murder Mystery follows married couple Nick (Adam Sandler) and Audrey (Jennifer Aniston) as they embark on a European vacation to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary, with complications ensuing after the pair are accused of murdering a controversial billionaire (Terence Stamp’s Malcolm Quince) and subsequently forced to go on the run. It’s a decent premise that’s employed to passable (if entirely forgettable) effect by filmmaker Kyle Newacheck, as the picture boasts a decent riddle at its core and certainly benefits from Sandler and Aniston’s typically charming work – with the actors’ efforts heightened by a strong supporting cast that includes Luke Evans and Gemma Arterton. There’s little doubt, though, that Murder Mystery remains unable to wholeheartedly grip the viewer for the duration of its 97 minutes, as Newacheck’s often excessively lighthearted touch paves the way for a hit-and-miss midsection and a third act that goes on just a little too long (ie this isn’t exactly a story that was crying out for a car chase). The end result is a mindlessly entertaining endeavor that essentially feels like cinematic background music, although it’s nevertheless clear, ultimately, that Murder Mystery stands as a slight cut above much of Sandler’s recent output.

**1/2 out of ****