The title for this sequel is unwieldy, and I dislike onions no matter what form.  That said, I feel that this sequel is better than the original and a wickedly amusing good time.

Rain Johnson’s story finds detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) on his way to the island paradise of a very rich man (Edward Norton), who has invited his closest friends to a weekend of celebration.  The friends include an engineer (Leslie Odom, Jr.), an actress / influencer (Kate Hudson), a bodybuilder / influencer (Dave Bautista), a Governor (Kathryn Hahn), and, surprisingly, the rich guy’s former partner (Janelle Monaé), whom he cheated out of a fortune.  A faux murder mystery is planned for the weekend — will it turn real?

Rain Johnson’s scripting is clever and funny and sharp, satirizing the greediness of the elites during a pandemic and noting how many other people are hanging on to their friend’s wealth, hoping desperately not to lose what little they still have.  The characterizations are keen and wonderfully enacted by a superb cast, and when the surprises come they are whoppers that work.  I cannot say much without spoiling things so let me just admit that I had a great time.  ☆ ☆ ☆ 1/2.  27 December 2022.