Mortdecai (2015)

Mortdecai is the kind of glossy, old-fashioned caper that’s less about airtight plotting and more about the pleasure of watching flamboyant characters ricochet through trouble with a wink and a well-timed pratfall. Johnny Depp leans hard into daffy charm as a hopelessly outmatched art dealer, and the movie’s real spark comes from the company around him: Gwyneth Paltrow plays his razor-sharp better half with delicious impatience, while Ewan McGregor brings a surprisingly game, buoyant energy that keeps the chase feeling lively. The vibe is broad, silly, and globe-trotting—think farce in tailored suits, with cartoonish scuffles and innuendo baked into the rhythm. If you’re allergic to slapstick or prefer your adventures grounded, it may feel too goofy, but if you want a light, star-powered romp that doesn’t take itself seriously, it’s an easy evening’s escape.

Mortdecai is aiming for a breezy, old-school caper where a flamboyant rogue stumbles through danger with wit, charm, and a trail of sight gags. The problem is the comedy often feels forced and repetitive, with a script that leans on mugging and “isn’t he ridiculous?” humor instead of actual punchlines, so the pacing drags even as the movie tries to act frantic. The plot hops between locations and villains like it’s building momentum, but it rarely clicks into a satisfying rhythm, making the whole thing feel louder than it is funny. If you enjoy broad, cartoonish slapstick and can watch Johnny Depp do a full-on character bit for two hours, you may find some guilty-pleasure value—everyone else will likely wonder where the clever caper went.