Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

Cast: Jim Carrey, Courtney Cox, Sean Young, Tone Loc and Dan Marino.

Director: Tom Shadyac

Release Date: 1994

Running Time: 1hr 26 minutes

Genre: Action

Rating: 12

Synopsis:

A goofy detective specialising in animals goes in search of the missing mascot of the Miami Dolphins.

Pet Detective, Ace Ventura is sent on a mission to help find the Miami Dolphins mascot, a very rare bottlenose dolphin called Snowflake. The only key he has to unlocking the mystery, is a stone from a championship ring belonging to one of many footballers. If George of the Jungle were to have a normal job, it'd probably be a Pet Detective. Firstly, the story is very tongue in cheek. The dialogue is hilarious and fantastically written. You'll find yourself laughing from beginning to end. Slapstick comedy at it's very finest. Jim Carrey is nothing short is wonderfully hilarious. The storyline however isn't just all fun and games there is a great twist to the story.

Courtney Cox stars as sports representative Melissa Robinson. Melissa finds herself wrapped up in Ace's mission to help track down Snowflake. Courtney also acts as Ace's love interest, something we don't see in it's sequel. It's not understood properly if Ace is in fact part of the Police force or whether or not he works alongside them as a detective. Sean Young of "Blade Runner" success delivers a strong performance as Lois Einhorn. Fierce and to the point, her fellow police officers are afraid of stepping a foot out of line. That of course is except for Ace Ventura who is prepared to question her every move in the investigation.

Unlike a lot of movies made today, this does carry its own unique storyline. It's possible it would even be considered controversial today due to its content. The sequel is a lot more family orientated. This film however does carry more serious content including a suicide, although not physically shown, it is mentioned and is considered a serious plot point in the film. The cinematography is nothing spectacular, but then it is a very simple film. This was never going to win oscars, nor can I imagine that was what director Tom Shadyac was thinking when he wanted to make this movie. For the time in which it was made, it has a nice modern soundtrack that is fun. It's probably considered a cult film now, fantastic and entertaining all round.

5/5