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Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

1994 • 85 minutes
4.6
767 reviews
48%
Tomatometer
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About this movie

Ace Ventura is on the case to find the Miami Dolphins' missing mascot and quarterback Dan Marino.

Ratings and reviews

4.6
767 reviews
Kyle Vansteelandt
December 27, 2021
When we lose our pets, we call the animal control. But in this crime/comedy hybrid is about an eccentric yet intelligent pet detective named Ace Ventura is on a grueling search to find the mascot of the Miami Dolphin football team; a bottlenose dolphin named Snowflake. Snowflake has been kidnapped by a ruthless and enraged suspect (no spoilers, if you not have seen it yet). Ever since it started with the former that involves Ace and a missing Shih Tzu, I was in for something pleasing and rather whimsical. I have gotten a lot more as the film progresses, it just got a whole lot better, and takes it to whole new level. All leading up to the fast-paced and vastly entertaining climax that is sharply memorable. The latter of the film is also satisfying and ends on a high note. Tom Shadyac (director/co-writer) constructed some elements that are nicely-staged, and goes into the right direction in a way that grabs my attention immediately. As a crime and mystery film, Shadyac pulls this off so well with lots of whimsical moments, clever writing that offers some halting obstacles, and even a few elements within the screenplay that offers impressive subtly. The screenplay itself is impressive, there are acceptable times where the animals are following the script, and no animal is abused or harmed. There is also one incredible scene where someone catches a bullet with his teeth. With the help of Don Zimmerman (editor), the film shines during the action scenes, especially the quick camera cuts for perfect timing, and the images were composited together. Ira Newborn (composer) did such a great job with his original, well-utilized, quirky score. Most of the score is energetic and loud with hard rock and jazz/big band, but there are times where the score settles down a bit during the more quieter scenes with orchestral-like sounds that are performed on a synthesizer with the help of some electronics and even a choir during some scenes that are suspenseful and some scenes that are tender. I almost forgot to mention the most important aspect: the comedy, compared to "Crocodile Dundee," the comedy here is more frequent and funnier. The movie is thoroughly amusing with hilarious moments that come in all shapes and sizes, wacky, silly, and even witty. However, the comedy is not perfect though (we will get to that in a second). The characters are absolutely whimsical, these are like cartoon characters in the form of live-action. A couple of characters do have some background to share as well. Jim Carrey is sufficiently likable as the title character himself, as a comedic character, he is mostly boisterous and off-the-wall funny with his slick, wacky, animated style. He puts his own catchphrases into good use. Although, there are a couple of times where if I can find him slightly embarrassing, and he does get cheeky in spots. As a pet detective, he is such a genius. Ace doesn't just like animals, he understands them. His skills are enjoyable, especially how he handles bad guys and Sgt. Aguado with such words. He is helped by some supportive characters, his girlfriend Melissa (Courteney Cox), and a cop named Emilio (Tone Loc). Sean Young is superb as Louis Einhorn with her classy and snarky performance. Mark Margolis plays Mr. Shickadance with his gravelly voice. In conclusion: While not a masterpiece, "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" is a fun and likable gem of it's genre that finds my sense of humor, and it also pleased me as an animal fanatic. Fourteen-year-old kids at heart will enjoy it immensely with it's comically cartoony style that will be like a throwback to their childhood, even animal fanatics will find this quite appealing. Highly Recommended!
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Johan Winqvist
March 23, 2014
A good example of why Carey became the legend he is, but some jokes and the style of the movie has not aged with dignity.
5 people found this review helpful
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Franklin marcos Palenque peña
May 18, 2020
Buenas tardes adjunto envío mi hoja de la que se encuentra publicada en la pagina de la revista para la cual se me ha realizado perro y me ha llamado a mi celular para ver como se llama mi numero de celular es el mundial de Sudáfrica no es tan fácil como para que se pueda ver la
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