Retro Film Review: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)

(Note: Capsule version of the review is available here.)

Jim Carrey is one of the most talented comic actors of our time, but his reputation often suffered because of the critics' snobbery. Carrey still suffers because of the huge popularity of his early movies, especially comedies that relied solely on his comedic talent and hardly anything else, causing animosity among critics who demanded higher standards of American film comedy. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, 1994 hit film by Tom Shadyac that turned Carrey into the mega-star is one of those films that explain why some critics don't like Carrey and why this actor didn't get his well- deserved "Oscar".

The protagonist of this film, with screenplay co-written by Shadyac, Carrey and Jack Bernstein, is Ace Ventura (played by Carrey), private detective specialised in locating and retrieving lost pets. His talents are spotted attention of Miami Dolphins football team, whose owner hires him to find team's mascot - dolphin named Snowflake. In his quest Carrey is aided by Dolphins publicist Melissa Robinson (played by Courtney Cox), while inimical police lieutenant Lois Eichorn (played by Sean Young) thwarts his investigation. When Dolphins star Dan Marino (played by himself) also disappears, Ventura's investigation receives further complications.

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective is a film almost without the plot but that doesn't discourage Carrey. Instead the lack of meaningful story is seen as an opportunity for him to display his great comedic talent, including almost indescribable skills of physical comedy. Humour is often bellow standards of good taste and definitely not suited for children, especially in scenes that spoof Crying Game. All supporting actors seem uncomfortable or disinterested for their roles. However, as long as Carrey appears on screen the film is truly hilarious, and since Carrey appears within 86 minutes of running time, many of those shortcomings can be forgiven. At least by those viewers who want nothing more than light-hearted entertainment and comedic talent in its barest essence.

Box office successs of the film led to quick sequel Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, which also turned into big hit. It was followed by animated television series Ace Ventura: Pet Detective which was originally on air for three seasons.

RATING: 5/10 (++)

(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on July 19th 2000)

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Movie URL: https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/3049-ace-ventura-pet-detective
Critic: AA