Flat jokes and Depp's charm alone can't hold this glossy caper together.
Verdict tier Unfavorable, most critics didn't like it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
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Critic consensus
Critical consensus on Mortdecai is overwhelmingly negative, with scores clustering in the 20-50 range. The film's production values, scale, and visual presentation received isolated acknowledgment, and its short runtime was noted as preventing outright tedium. However, critics were united in condemning the humour, with flat, unfunny jokes cited as the film's central failing across nearly every review. Several critics also pointed to director David Koepp's over-reliance on Johnny Depp's star power as a substitute for strong writing.
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 8 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
The story is predictable, the jokes flat, and the action put there because, well, you can't very well have a heist otherwise. But more than anything else what Koepp (who has not written this film unlike his other work) invests in are the characters.
Top critic
Film review ·
Strangely the director David Koepp has made good films in the past – like 'Premium Rush' and 'Ghost Town', the latter especially worked as a comedy because of the charming cast and the genuinely great lines, and also the restrained nature of it. If only he'd spent more time writing good jokes instead of focusing on Depp's star power to propel the film forward. Much like their previous collaboration 'Secret Window', this one is a turkey that'll only be remembered for its legendarily small haul at the box office.
Film review ·
..., with a pretty short running time of 107 minutes, you won't be bored while watching Mortdecai. There's enough to keep you engaged, and amused — and as far as an option for a leisurely weekend watch is concerned, what more could you ask for?
Film review ·
The film is paced well but unfortunately, a lot of the jokes fall flat. The film simmers but never really sizzles, despite moments of potential.
Film review ·
Overall, Mortdecai is truly a huge let down!
Film review ·
The eccentricity of Mortdecai and the whole art-heist theme of the film is bound to refresh memories of Pink Panther. Except that Inspector Clouseau wins the audience's hearts and successfully cracks them up.
Film review ·
... grand when it comes to scale and production values. The clothes are grand enough and so are the mansions and castles where it has been filmed. It is a pity then that it also has to be so boring.
Film review ·
It is difficult to understand why Koepp, Depp, Paltrow, Bettany and Aronson agreed to make the film. Mortdecai, eventually, is but a joke -- an inside joke, which only the above mentioned five persons will find amusing. The rest of us must suffer through it.
Credits
Johnny DeppCharlie Mortdecai
Gwyneth PaltrowJohanna Mortdecai
Ewan McGregorInspector Martland
Paul BettanyJock Strapp
Jonny PasvolskyEmil Strago
Olivia MunnGeorgina Krampf
Jeff GoldblumTBA
Guy BurnetMaurice
Nicholas FarrellTBC
Aubrey PlazaPaula
Oliver PlattBarry
Tom HardyLola
David Koepp
Andrew Lazar
Mark Ronson
Geoff Zanelli
Florian Hoffmeister
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