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The 1994 box-office hit that turned comedy maniac Jim Carrey into Hollywood's first $20-million man, this gag-filled no-brainer stars Carrey as the titular rubber-faced gumshoe who tracks down lost pets for his heartbroken clients. Ace's latest case involves the apparent kidnapping of the Miami Dolphins' team mascot, Snowflake the dolphin (natch). His investigation is a source of constant aggravation for Miami police lieutenant Lois Einhorn (Sean Young), who turns out to be packing more than a pistol under her skirt.Friendsfans will appreciate the presence of Courtney Cox, who remains admirably straight-faced as the Dolphins' publicist and Ace's would-be girlfriend, but of course it's Carrey who steals the show with shameless abandon. One viewing may suffice for a lot of people, but Carrey's hyper antics have madeAce Ventura: Pet Detectiveone of the bestselling videos of the 1990s.--Jeff Shannon
A classic comedy, poor DVD Ace Ventura: Pet Detective is one of the funniest films I've ever seen. The story is basically about a pet detective on a case to find out whom kidnapped the Miami Dolphins mascot snowflake; Jim Carrey is simply hilarious in this film. Although the plot is a bit far fetched and predictable, it doesn't ruin the movie. With great scenes like when Ace wrestles with a shark or when Ace gets commited to a mental hospital, it's no wonder why this film is a laugh out loud riot. The film will have you laughing and begging for more. Overall, this film may not be the greatest comedy ever, but it still offers plenty of humor to entertain you.
Also, if you want this film in widescreen, I suggest you buy the Region 2 DVD. The region 1 (Available in US and Canada) DVD, which is one of the first DVDs ever to be released ("Ace" made it's way to DVD in 1997!), is fullscreen only. However, you must have a region free player in order to watch a Region 2 DVD.
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (Three and a Half Stars) This review refers to the Warner Bros. DVD edition of the film.
THE WHO'S WHO: Starring Jim Carrey, Sean Young, Courteney Cox, Tone Loc, Dan Marino, Noble Willingham, John Capodice, Raynor Scheine, Frank Adonis, Tiny Ron, Troy Evans, Udo Kier, David Margulies, Alice Drummond, Rebecca Ferratti, Randall "Tex" Cobb, Cannibal Corpse. Score Composed By Ira Newborn. Film Edited By Don Zimmerman (A.C.E.). Screenplay Co-Written By Jim Carrey. Produced By James G. Robinson. Screenplay Co-Written and Directed By Tom Shadyac. (PG-13) For Very Mild Violence, Mild Profanity, Very Brief Nudity and Sexual Content; 87m.; 1993.
WHAT'S GOING ON IN HERE?: Jim Carrey may have started down the road to superstardom in the mid-eighties with "Once Bitten", but this is the film that brought him to prominence. Small time pet detective Ace Ventura (Carrey) is great at finding missing dogs and birds, but he's about to take on the biggest assignment of his career. The Miami Dolphins' mascot Snowflake has disappeared and it's up to Ace to track down the missing bottlenose before the approaching Superbowl rolls around. However, as the case progresses, Dolphins' quarterback Dan Marino also becomes a target of the kidnappers. Anyone looking for pseudo-intellectual jocularity need not apply to this overtly silly, leave-your-brain-at-the-door minor masterpiece. The filmmakers were obviously attempting to craft a film that any comedy fan could thoroughly enjoy, and for the most part, they succeeded. Director Tom Shadyac brings warmth and charm to the affair, as he would do again for Carrey with "Liar, Liar" in 1997 and "Bruce Almighty" in 2003. The screenplay utilizes a vast array of comedic styles to entertain the viewer, ranging from sarcastic one-liners and corny catchphrases to physical slapstick and anomalous innuendos. Facial expressions also play a clear role in the film's development and Carrey is given plenty of freedom to indulge in his stereotypical impressions including Scotty and Bones from the "Star Trek" series and Sean Connery. Even the song selections for the film are perfectly chosen and blend well with the scenes they're given. But the real strength of the film is its superb cast. It goes without saying that Carrey steals the show at every opportunity. The movie is a star vehicle tailor made for his comic timing and endless energy. However, the rest of the cast members do more than just keep up with him. They add their fair share of chuckles to the mix. Courteney Cox plays nicely off Carrey as Ace's love interest Melissa Robinson. Troy Evans has a few good moments as Roger Podacter and Tone Loc tries hard to add a few dimensions to his Emilio character. It is Sean Young, however, who matches Carrey note for note in the film playing Lieutenant Lois Einhorn, natural enemy to Carrey's self-serving detective. The supporting members of the film are also stellar, beginning with Dan Marino who couldn't act if his life depended on it. His (pun intended) fish-out-of-water acting only enhances his appearance in the movie, making light of his quarterback/jock image. "Raising Arizona" refugee Randall "Tex" Cobb has an all-too-brief role early on in the film. The expression that crosses his face when Ace baby talks a little shih tzu is priceless. But the supporting cast member who really takes the cake is Alice Drummond, turning in an estimable performance as the slightly disturbed mother of former Dolphins' kicker Ray Finkle. Long time comedy fans will most likely remember the role she played in the opening moments of the original "Ghostbusters" movie. Overall, this film has all the right pieces and the filmmakers were smart enough to make them fit together impeccably. Unlike many other comedies released around the same time, this one has very few slow spots and never wears out its welcome. Its emphasis is solely on the entertainment of its viewers, which is the way it should be.
THEY SAY THEY'RE SPECIAL BUT...: This film is presented in a modified 1.33:1 full screen presentation which is clear for the most part but does sport a small amount of grain from time to time. It's nice to look at, if you're a fan of films with compromised integrity. Normally, I don't gravitate towards full screen films, preferring their original widescreen state over chop jobs. However, since this is the only way you can purchase "Ace Ventura" on DVD, it'll have to do until something better comes along. The 2.0 Dolby surround sound which accompanies the film is robust and readily defined. This film also features English, French and Spanish subtitles which are white and fairly easy to read. The front cover is a direct reproduction of the video release cover which features a photograph of Jim Carrey holding up his "Pet Detective" card while a dog tears the tar out of his left pant leg on a purple and white backdrop. The back cover is a colorful blend of photographs and information. Warner Bros. is widely known for their paper case style of packaging and this DVD is no exception. The inside of this paper case features two more photographic highlights from the film while displaying the thirty-one chapter stops for this hour and a half long movie. The DVD itself is completely silver with reflective wording printed on its top. Special features for this disc are fairly limited, showcasing production notes which are divided into six sub-sections. The "Cast and Crew" biographies are brief but marginally enlightening. The other sections include "Creating Ace", "Life With Jim", "First-Time Feature Director", "Animals Animals Animals" and "On Location". All of the sections are compendious, sometimes humorous and sometimes informing, though none of them will create a lasting impression on the reader. There's also an original theatrical trailer (2:07) which is fairly funny, but unfortunately leaves the viewer longing for something more from this DVD, as the trailer gives a trifling glimpse at the film in its uncut 1.85:1 widescreen format. The best special feature, also the most surprising for an early release Warner Bros. outing, is a commentary track from director Tom Shadyac. The commentary is only the second Shadyac has recorded, but his inexperience isn't a major factor. He comes off as personable and interesting as he discusses a wide range of topics including the difficulties of filming the world's most unromantic love scene and the necessity of letting Jim Carrey do his improvisational moments. He also expresses his view that a strong plot is an essential key to the success of a comedy. While Shadyac isn't the most technically sound commentator to have on a track, he does carry the film's warm appeal over to the commentary, making it an enjoyable addition to the disc.
THE YOLK'S ON YOU: Surely you jest. Warner Bros. wasn't in the habit of hiding material on the majority of their early releases. You're more likely to find the missing triangular cut orange amber 1984 AFC championship ring stone before Ace Ventura does than you are of finding hidden easter eggs on this one.
THE LEWD AND NUDE ALERT: There's some lovely cleavage shots of the woman (Rebecca Ferratti) Ace Ventura (Jim Carrey) returns the missing shih tzu to in the opening moments of the film, just before she "repays" Ace for the wonderful job he did. Also, near the end of the film viewers are treated to the sight of Sean Young in her underwear. Young has glorious breasts and great thighs, even if her character's "attitude" renders the scene a moot point.
THE GORE REPORT: The idea that there would be any gore in this film is almost as funny as the movie itself.
SAY AGAIN: "You really love animals, don't you?" - Melissa Robinson (Courteney Cox). "If it gets cold enough." - Ace Ventura (Jim Carrey).
THE FINAL SAY: Yes, I recommend buying this DVD. If you can get past the full screen format, you're in for a laugh riot that more than warrants repeat viewings. Jim Carrey fans will love his manic antics while genre enthusiasts will admire the many different styles of comicality this film offers. Followers of DVD commentary tracks will also find the Tom Shadyac recording to be a laudable addition to their collection. All in all, "Ace" is aces.
PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM: "Power of Suggestion" Performed By Steve Stevens. "Line Up" Performed By Aerosmith. "Hammer Smashed Face" Performed By Cannibal Corpse. "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" Performed By Robert John. "The Crying Game" Performed By Boy George. "Ace is in the House" Performed By Tone Loc. Soundtrack Available on Morgan Creek Compact Discs and Cassettes.Jim Carrey's a comic genius! This movie is a good Jim Carrey movie that Jim Carrey basically owns. He delivers allllll of the MANY laughs thanks to his great acting and great sense of humor. But the funniest thing is his job. He is a pet detective, a guy whose job is to search for missing animals. And then his newest case comes, his job to find the missing Dolphin mascot for the Miami Dolphins' football team. Carrey's hilarious with a ton of jokes that you'll be laughing on the floor to. The movie is very silly and has a twist. I recommed it for a rent and even a buy because it's just so funny. Don't believe me that Jim Carrey's funny? Watch this or any other of his comedies and you'll see!
