The Mask (1994)
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77% of critics liked it
(52 reviews) -
66% of users liked it
(910,763 ratings)
Hyperactive mayhem results when a mild-manned banker discovers an ancient mask that transforms him into a zany prankster with superhuman powers in this special-effects-intensive comedy. The wildly improvisational Jim Carrey plays Stanley Ipkiss, a decent-hearted but socially awkward guy who one… More Hyperactive mayhem results when a mild-manned banker discovers an ancient mask that transforms him into a zany prankster with superhuman powers in this special-effects-intensive comedy. The wildly improvisational Jim Carrey plays Stanley Ipkiss, a decent-hearted but socially awkward guy who one night finds a strange mask. Carrey's trademark energy reveals itself after Stanley puts on the mask and the banker transforms into The Mask, a green-skinned, zoot-suited fireball. The rubber-faced Mask possesses the courage to do the wild, fun things that Stanley fears, including romancing Tina Carlyle (Cameron Diaz). In addition to Carrey's physical talents, the film makes effective use of digital visual effects that bestow the Mask with superhuman speed, insane flexibility, and popping eyes out of a Tex Avery cartoon. The larger narrative, involving the efforts of Tina's gangster boyfriend to destroy Stanley and use the mask's powers for evil, prove less interesting than the anarchic comic set pieces, including a particularly memorable dance number to "Cuban Pete." The film delivered enough laughs to become a surprise hit and, along with the same year's Dumb and Dumber, establish Carrey's status as a comedy superstar. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi
- Directed By
- Chuck Russell
- Written By
- Mike Werb
- Genres
- Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Jul 29, 1994 Wide
- Studio
- New Line Cinema
Critic Reviews
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Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer
When his face turns green and his limbs get limber, Carrey's pretty much unstoppable. This cartoon-y creation is an amazing fusion of physical comedy and state-of-the- art cinema illusion.
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Michael Sragow, New Yorker
The gangland plot is flimsy (bad guy Peter Greene wears too much eyeliner), and the jokes are erratic, but it's a far better showcase for Carrey's comic-from-Uranus talent than Ace Ventura.
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Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune
Carrey and his aggressive overbite are back, but this time he's better used as an ingredient instead of as the plot.
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Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel
If a movie star was born in Ace Ventura, he is christened in The Mask. Quite simply, this is the best and freest crazy comedy to come along since Beetlejuice.
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Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
Not only is he adept at physical humor, the kind of knockabout stuff that recalls the classic silent clowns, but Carrey also has a bright and likable screen presence, a lost puppy quality that is surprisingly endearing.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Jim Carrey
as The Mask/Stanley Ipkiss
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Cameron Diaz
as Tina Carlyle
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Peter Riegert
as Lt. Mitch Kellaway
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Peter Greene
as Dorian Tyrel
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Amy Yasbeck
as Peggy Brandt
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Richard Jeni
as Charlie Schumacher
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Orestes Matacena
as Niko
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Timothy Bagley
as Irv
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Nancy Fish
as Mrs. Peenman
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Johnny Williams
as Burt
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Max
as Milo
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B.J. Barie
as Alley Punk #1
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Reg E. Cathey
as Freeze
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Blake Clark
as Murray
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Robert O'Reilly
as The Figure
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Jeremy Roberts
as Bobby the Bouncer
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Ben Stein
as Dr. Neuman
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Ivory Ocean
as Mayor Tilton
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Jim Doughan
as Doyle
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Suzanne Dunn
as Reporter
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Joely Fisher
as Maggie
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Denis Forest
as Sweet Eddy
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Nils Allen Stewart
as Orlando
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Christopher Darga
as Paramedic #3
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Robert Keith
as Police Officer


