WARNING: This Review May Contain Spoilers
Ok, I’m going to try not to gush too much throughout this review because I’ve already mentioned in my review of The Mask that I absolutely love Jim Carrey as an actor. If I’m being completely honest with you all, this is basically an article on how much I love the two Ace Ventura films.
Ace Ventura: The Character
From catchphrases to facial expressions, Jim Carrey brings this character to life with all his comedic genius. I know a lot of you will say it’s typical of Carrey’s acting but I beg to differ. Yes, he uses some of the same skills for other characters but obviously he has to pull all the different pieces of the character together to make Ace Ventura the man that he is, even down to the walk.
I’m sure none of you can deny how catchy the catchphrases actually are. I know some people would think that they could have changed some of them by the second film but then would they be catchphrases if they’re only used in one film? I think not.
The Use of Music
Obviously Ace is no Ethan Hunt, which for me makes the use of the Mission Impossible theme tune in the first film and Secret Agent Man in the second all the more genius. In addition to the music, Ace even does an impression of Sean Connery’s James Bond.
The Difference in Ratings
Re-watching these films, this was actually the first time I noticed that Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and When Nature Calls are rated very differently but I also now understand why. The first film actually garnered a higher rating and I believe this is because there is a lot more sexual references than in the second film. I also get the feeling that the idea of a transgender character was a much more taboo subject than it is nowadays.
The Animals
Obviously this is a key part to both films, or else how would Ace Ventura be a pet detective? From an otter coming out of his toilet and penguins from the freezer to re-enacting the iconic scene from Cliffhanger with a raccoon, these two films have them all. They are even used as an almost homage to the older films where they would pan away to either a fireplace or outside landscape to imply a couple is about to have sex. However, the scene wasn’t exactly implied in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective when they pan over to the animals watching Ace and Michelle in bed.
I especially love in the second film the use of Spike the Spider Monkey as Ace’s side-kick. It reminds me a little of George of the Jungle.
In Conclusion
In the simplest terms, and most convenient definitions, these are two of the funniest films I’ve seen. I am glad that they didn’t make the same mistake as the making a the sequel to The Mask. Ace Ventura wouldn’t be Ace Ventura without Jim Carrey – and yes, I know, there’s an Ace Ventura Jr film, and if I am completely honest, I’m going to give it a wide birth. However, there is talk of a third Ace Ventura film – starring Jim Carrey and that I will pay money to see.
