Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

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Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

PG-13

Released Feb 4, 1994

1h 26m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

48%

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65 Reviews

57%

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250,000+ Ratings

When the dolphin mascot of Miami's NFL team is abducted, Ace Ventura, a zany private investigator who specializes in finding missing animals, looks into the case. Soon Miami Dolphins players are kidnapped too, including star player Dan Marino, making Ace's sleuth work even more pressing. Working with Dolphins representative Melissa Robinson, Ace closes in on the culprits, but not before many ridiculous misadventures.

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Critics Consensus

Jim Carrey's twitchy antics and gross-out humor are on full, bombastic display in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, which is great news for fans of his particular brand of comedy but likely unsatisfying for anyone else.

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Michael Hutak

Sydney Morning Herald

Ace Ventura is puerile, brain-numbing and forgettable.

Feb 28, 2024

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Chris Willman

Los Angeles Times

Playing a celebrated finder of missing mammals, [Carrey's] so over-energized from the start you keep thinking he'll wear out his welcome pronto; 90 minutes later his lunacy is still hard to take your eyes off.

Apr 2, 2019

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Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

Carrey suggests an escaped mental patient impersonating a game-show host.

Rated: F

Nov 8, 2010

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Fico Cangiano

CineXpress Podcast

Wacky and absurd, Pet Detective is the perfect stage for Jim Carrey to show off his physical comedy skills. And it's amazing to behold. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 3/5

May 5, 2025

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Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

The twist ending is unnecessary and has the unsavory side effect of teaching millions of young Ace fans that it’s unimaginably gross for a man to kiss a trans woman — this from a movie whose hero talks out of his butt.

Rated: D

Aug 31, 2022

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Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

For those who do not see a hint of humor...Provokes the unsettling sensation of being in the middle of a jovial and merry asylum. [Full review in Spanish]

Jun 7, 2022

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Dave A

A great, funny, and intriguing film from start to finish. A brilliant reminder of better days when we could laugh instead of get offended.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/28/25

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Js S

Carrey at his finest ,90s classic

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/15/25

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John R

Jim Carrey's best movie

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/14/25

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Koala K

You want to talk to the dolphin? YOU TALK TO ME!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/15/25

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Andrew M

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective is a film that thrives on the sheer energy and comedic genius of Jim Carrey. For fans of his larger-than-life style, this movie is a goldmine of absurd humor and slapstick comedy that showcases Carrey at his peak. From the exaggerated facial expressions to the wildly over-the-top physicality, it's clear why so many consider this one of his most iconic performances. The movie’s charm lies in its unapologetic silliness. It doesn't try to be anything other than a fun, ridiculous ride, and for those who grew up watching it, the nostalgia is undeniable. Many reviewers describe it as a childhood favorite, a film that still brings smiles and laughter decades later. However, it’s not without its critics. Some feel the humor is too silly or immature, relying more on antics than wit, and may not resonate with everyone, especially those who prefer more sophisticated comedy. Despite the polarized opinions, Ace Ventura remains a cornerstone of 90s comedy, I loved for its carefree vibe and its ability to deliver laugh-out-loud moments. If you enjoy slapstick humor and Jim Carrey’s unique brand of comedy, this movie will likely hit all the right notes. For others, its appeal may feel limited, but it’s hard to deny the lasting impact of this film on the comedy genre. A classic for many, and a divisive piece for some, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective is undeniably Jim Carrey in his most unfiltered, unforgettable form. Whether it’s your cup of tea or not, it’s a movie that cemented its place in pop culture history.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/05/25

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Santiago P

one of the best comedic performances of all time

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/02/25

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Tom Shadyac

Director

Jim Carrey

Ace Ventura

Courteney Cox

Melissa Robinson

Sean Young

Lt. Lois Einhorn

Tone Loc

Emilio

Dan Marino

Self

Juwanna Mann

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Synopsis

When the dolphin mascot of Miami's NFL team is abducted, Ace Ventura, a zany private investigator who specializes in finding missing animals, looks into the case. Soon Miami Dolphins players are kidnapped too, including star player Dan Marino, making Ace's sleuth work even more pressing. Working with Dolphins representative Melissa Robinson, Ace closes in on the culprits, but not before many ridiculous misadventures.

Director: Tom Shadyac
Producer: James G. Robinson
Screenwriter: Jake Bernstein, Tom Shadyac, Jim Carrey
Distributor: Argentina Video Home, Warner Bros.
Production Co: Warner Brothers, Morgan Creek Productions
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 4, 1994, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 6, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $71.2M
Runtime: 1h 26m
Sound Mix: Surround

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