Adam Sandler is working on Adam Sandler made movies to act angry and yell aggressively, not to challenge himself as an actor or even as a comedian.
However, Sandler went on to prove just how talented an actor he was by taking a string of dramatic roles. While many initially found it jarring to see the king of the comedic on-screen outburst delivering serious performances, it's now widely accepted that he's far more versatile and capable an actor than he's ever received credit for. His role in Uncut Gems, in particular, was met with widespread acclaim, so why is it that he seems to be so intent on falling back into old habits?
Many of Sandler's detractors claim that Sandler mostly makes films in order to hire his friends. Murder Mystery was met with less than stellar reviews.
Netflix teased the film at its Tudum event, and Sandler appeared to confirm what has been long suspected: he sees making movies as an opportunity to hang out with his friends in exotic locations. Not a lot is Grown Ups, the ultimate Sandler film. Also starring Sandler's closest friends in ing roles, the movie features the group of actors essentially just playing themselves and making fart jokes, and that was subsequently followed up by a sequel even lazier than the original. Now, it seems that Murder Mystery is getting the same treatment.
It's a shame that this appears to be Sandler's legacy, as he's really such a talented performer. However, despite his dramatic roles turning heads, the actor is dead set on sticking with his low-brow comedic roots, and it's noble, in a way. Still, his Punch-Drunk Love, Sandler should come out on top in the end.
