'Murder Mystery (2019)' is so close to being quite good that it's almost annoying. It has a few segments that are nearly enjoyable and it makes you think about chuckling a handful of times. It's tempting to say that it's an average movie, and I suppose it sort of is. However, it's totally unmoving for the most part; I'd be lying if I said it ever actually entertained me. Just because you don't hate a film doesn't mean that it's good by default, and there's a strong argument to be made that apathy is the worst thing a picture can stir within its audience. As such, this unimaginatively titled comedy is certifiably below average. Although Adam Sandler isn't especially grating, he also isn't especially humorous and his chemistry with Jennifer Anniston is decidedly lacking. The narrative sets itself up in an oddly similar way to 'Knives Out (2019)', but this comparison is only applicable in the moments leading up to its inevitable murder and, of course, the overall affair doesn't even come close to replicating the success of Rian Johnson's far superior effort. That the highest compliment you can pay the picture is that it's accidentally sort of similar to a much better detective movie tells you all you need to know really. It might suffice if you just want to put something on in the background, but that definitely isn't the measure of a good film - or even an average one - in my book.