Director: David Koepp
Starring: Johnny Depp, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ewan McGregor, Olivia Munn, Jeff Goldblum, Paul Bettany
Certificate: 12
Running time: 102 minutes
With regurgitated jokes and annoyingly exaggerated accents, Mortdecai aims for the ridiculous and hits the mundane. Directed by David Koepp with an all-star ensemble cast, Mortdecai follows Charlie Mortdecai (Johnny Depp) on his global search to track down a stolen painting rumoured to contain the code to a lost bank account filled with Nazi gold.
The film succeeds in bringing together Depp, alongside the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Ewan McGregor, Olivia Munn, Jeff Goldblum and Paul Bettany. Unfortunately, the stars attached can’t save this film with some performances disturbingly uncomfortable. Depp has an enviously diverse filmography, there are no doubting his skills as a great actor but the role of Charlie lets him down. Playing on the stereotypes of a debonair Lord of the manor Englishman isn’t enough to carry this film; it seems that this lazy characterisation is a real crux in what is an already unflattering movie.
The film’s failure doesn’t entirely rest on the performances. The plot is basic and offers no imaginative spark, where there are fleeting glimpses of promise this is quickly overshadowed by childish wit. There’s a lack of balance between the story and humour, every aspect is exaggerated and instead of spoofing art-heist caper comedies it disillusions them.
From conception to execution, it’s a struggle to understand how anyone thought to be a good idea. With a bland plot, overplayed humour and embarrassing performances it’s hard to find the encouragement to watch until the end. The film lacks any wit or charm, instead offering a splattering of overused visual and sexual jokes. Whilst not offensive as such, it is disheartening film with a lack of appeal and bizarre that with this cast it’s found the light of day.
The added features are a nice accompaniment including; Stolen Moment: On the set of Mortdecai and The Art of Making Noise: Making Music for Mortdecai but with dissatisfaction of the film, you don’t usually want to stick around for more…
Mortdecai is available on Blu-Ray, DVD and on Digital HD now.
