With so many movies and so little time, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when deciding which flick to see over the weekend. Boasting a promising preview and star-studded cast, “Mortdecai” seems enticing but it should not be high on your must-see list. This action-comedy focuses on bankrupt art dealer and con-man, Charlie Mortdecai starring Johnny Depp. “Mortdecai” follows Mortdecai and his wife, Johanna, as they attempt to uncover a stolen painting before it gets into the wrong hands. If they are successful, they will be heavily compensated by the British Crown and no longer need to worry about their debt.
Depp’s character as the British mustache aficionado finds himself contracted by the British government to find a stolen Goya painting believed to have the codes to a bank account holding lost Nazi gold. For anyone familiar with Depp’s previous roles as Captain Jack Sparrow or Willy Wonka, this character is not too different. Sadly, this is not one of Depp’s memorable roles. An easy paycheck for him, he relies on ridiculous humor and overcompensating British stereotypes to piece this character together.
Unoriginal acting aside, both Gwyneth Paltrow as Mortdecai’s wife, and Ewan McGregor as Mortdecai’s old college friend turned detective, help to temper the silliness of the script. Paltrow was by far the best character in the film. Johanna Mortdecai is an in-charge, intelligent woman who ultimately saves the day. Without her, her husband would never manage to get himself out of a mess. McGregor also brings a more refined taste to his character, balancing Depp’s over the top gestures with a more subdued type of slapstick.
The plot itself is not the main error with this film. It’s a fairly original, clever story. There are a few elements of surprise and the overall character profiles are pretty original. It’s sad the all-star cast wasn’t able to elevate the film to the enjoyable comedy it could have been. With a little less focus on the ridiculous and more attention to smarter gags, it would have been much more palatable.
One can’t hate on this movie without taking into consideration the notion it was never meant to be a serious, thought provoking film. It’s a guilty pleasure type of movie which fails creatively. If one didn’t go in with high expectations to be wowed by the cast or impressed by the original plot, then it would most likely be a much more enjoyable experience.
Overall, this movie will go down in history as just another European spy comedy. It is reminiscent of “Austin Powers” or “The Pink Panther” remakes with Steve Martin. Clearly not meant to be taken seriously and attempting to provide comedy through exaggerated gestures and glaringly bad gags. If this film had attempted to use more witty jokes and less absurdity, it might have had more of a chance.