Today’s Prayer Focus
MOVIE REVIEW

Mortdecai

MPA Rating: R-Rating (MPA) for some language and sexual material.

NOTE: DVD version is different from theatrical version, and rated PG-13 for sexuality including references and innuendo, action/violence and brief strong language.

Reviewed by: Pamela Karpelenia
CONTRIBUTOR

Moral Rating: Very Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience: Adults
Genre: Action Crime Comedy Adaptation
Length: 1 hr. 46 min.
Year of Release: 2015
USA Release: January 23, 2015 (wide—2,600+ theaters)
DVD: May 12, 2015
Copyright, Lionsgate click photos to ENLARGE Copyright, Lionsgate Copyright, Lionsgate Copyright, Lionsgate Copyright, Lionsgate Copyright, Lionsgate Copyright, Lionsgate Copyright, Lionsgate Copyright, Lionsgate Copyright, Lionsgate
Relevant Issues
Copyright, Lionsgate

gold in the Bible

promiscuity / fornication

SEXUAL LUST—What does the Bible say about it? Answer

people using sex to get what they want

Sex, Love and Relationships
Learn how to make your love the best it can be. Discover biblical answers to questions about sex, marriage, sexual addictions, and more.
Featuring Johnny DeppCharles Mortdecai
Ewan McGregorInspector Martland
Gwyneth PaltrowJohanna
Paul BettanyJock Strapp
Jeff Goldblum
Olivia MunnGeorgina Krampf
Alec Utgoff … Dmitri
See all »
Director David Koepp — “Mission: Impossible” (1996), “Spider-Man” (2002)
Producer Huayi Brothers Media
Infinitum Nihil
See all »
Distributor
Distributor: Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. Trademark logo.
Lionsgate
(Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.)

“For queen and country”

Johnny Depp stars in the British comic-novel turned movie as the infamous Charles Mortdecai. The film opens with Mortdecai finishing up an art deal. It is hear we learn about his shady past and financial woes. The deal soon goes South and violence ensues. Joined by his man servant Jock Straps, played by Paul Bettany to offer help. We then see an unknown woman restoring a priceless painting. She is murdered, and the painting is the stolen. Enter the police, led by Inspector Martland (Ewan McGregor), learning that art is the heart of the case, he turns to the one man who can help him solve the mystery… Mortdecai!

This is the setup for this slapstick Sherlock meets Antiques Roadshow. Let’s start with the positives, the cinematography is interesting and eye-catching, complete with flashbacks and revealing the back stories of essential characters. I enjoyed this; it was appealing. Unfortunately, that’s where the positives ended for me.

It may be partly due to the fact that I was not familiar with its source material. The acting was weak and “phoned in.” I have been a fan of Depp, but he missed the mark on this role. The cast, as a whole, lacks substance. The plot exists, however the cast seems unaware of it. Some of my criticism may be partially due to the fact that I am not a fan of British comedic style.

As for objectionable content, there is quite a bit—mostly an abundance sexual innuendos. There is blasphemous language, which seems to come out of nowhere—added as routine. There is also foul language and vulgar talk, that, coupled with the acting, makes the film nearly unwatchable.

The movie deals with theft, greed and dishonesty. Which may be obvious sins, but they struck a chord with me. As Christians, we should always be on guard and not fall prey to “little” sins that may cause our brothers and sisters in Christ to stumble.

I cannot recommend this film. However, if you are a fan of British humor you might enjoy it.

Violence: Moderate to heavy / Profanity: Heavy—“Jesus Christ,” “Good L*rd,” “Dear G*d,” “God,” “Oh G*d” (2), “Good G*d” (2), “damn” (4), “hell” (2), f-words (2), SOB, various sexual slang words / Sex/Nudity: Very Heavy

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.


Viewer CommentsSend your comments
Negative
Negative—This film runs from crude to vulgar throughout. Proof that the ratings system is a farce. Adultery, sexual innuendo, topped off with stilted acting. The large theater had maybe a dozen people in it while “…Sniper,” one week later was packed. Save your money.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
Dennis, age 62 (USA)
Negative—I echo the viewer’s comments. Additionally, it’s just not funny… at all. You almost feel sorry for Depp in his over-the-top epic failed attempt to force humor. I am really sorry I wasted my time and money on this secular film, devoid of any redeeming qualities. I think I’m through wasting time and money on Mr. Depp. Father forgive me.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: ½
Gary, age 62 (USA)
Negative—Improper comments of a sexual nature. Not something I want my kids to watch. Actually, I wondered how Gweneth Paltrow was able to say the lines they gave her. Why would they want their children to see them in such a movie. Evidently these actors need the money. LOL. …With regards to this movie, I only recall one use of Jesus. I feel we should teach patriotism to our children. That said, Depp made about three negative comments about Los Angeles and the U. S. Since he chooses to live in France, and seems to hate the U. S., by comments he’s made in the past, maybe he should give up his citizenship.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 3
3rdcommandmentviolation, age 49 (USA)

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