Encino Man

PG

1992

1 hr. 29 min.

Comedy

List

14%

35 Reviews

Tomatometer

56%

100,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

California teen Dave Morgan (Sean Astin) is digging a pit for a pool in his backyard when he happens upon a caveman frozen in a block of ice. Aided by his goofy friend Stoney (Pauly Shore), Dave transports their discovery to his garage, where the Neanderthal thaws and is revived. When Dave and Stoney find the living and thoroughly bewildered caveman, they attempt to pass him off as a foreign exchange student named Link (Brendan Fraser), resulting in many misadventures.

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Critics Consensus

Encino Man isn't the first unabashedly silly comedy to embrace its stupidity and amass a cult following, but whether or not it works for you will largely be determined by your tolerance for Pauly Shore.

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Dave O

Bring nostalgia lol..No it wasn't the best movie but it was about a frozen caveman who was thawed out lol what you expect? It was a fun movie and became bigger as time went on.Allot of them kind of movies was made and it's like the owner of them movie's rights knew them fun movies would become classics cause all them movies are streaming everywhere and allot of money being made off licensing.Them movies are taking care of generations.Weekend at Bernie's is another one.That movie has made more money as time goes on and the theater flop money was just the beginning.And to think them actors got 5-20,000 dollars and them movies keep making millions and will forever.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/20/24

Full Review

Daniel S

The film capitalizes on the early 90s California culture, with Pauly Shore bringing his unique comedic style that either you love or you don't. Brendan Fraser's performance as Link is both heartfelt and hilariously executed, showcasing his physical comedy skills and timing. This movie isn't aiming for high art; it's a product of its time, filled with era-specific slang, fashion, and humor. While some may find the film's premise silly and its humor sophomoric, it undeniably has a charm that has allowed it to retain a cult following.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/17/24

Full Review

Parker D

Truly among the worst movies of the 90s as well as one of the worst and stupidest comedies ever made next to Freddy got fingered pauly shore should be stopped and Brendan Fraser's performance was just stupid and moronic he looks as if he just wanted to fool around on set rather than trying to give an actual performance who's idea was it to even makes this film something about an unfrozen caveman from prehistoric times it's just stupid we all know prehistoric people (aka cavemen) don't talk and just behave like animals notably primates that make noisy and annoying sounds they don't exist anymore and all there is nowadays of any human that doesn't talk or make sounds is a disabled person with issues that scene with him covered in mood that looks more like manure is disgusting and gross especially when he licks and drinks dirty water, anyone who likes this film is a fake cinema fan of you are into critically acclaimed classics and award worthy masterpieces as well as intelligent and even subtle movies you must avoid this film like the pleague to anyone who knows about film or has watched many movies especially popular films from each decade do yourselves a favor and don't waste your time with this true stinkers of a film it's that bad and must never be seen and if there was a possibility of ever deleting a film from existence this would be one of those films that deserves to be removed from existence 0/10

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

09/15/23

Full Review

StephenPaul C

LOL, the funniest 01 hour: and 29 minutes ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/14/23

Full Review

Felipe S

As a fan of '90s comedies, "Encino Man" holds a special place in my heart. The film's quirky humor and endearing performances from Pauly Shore, Brendan Fraser, and Sean Astin make it an absolute joy to watch. Pauly Shore's unique comedic style as Stoney adds a refreshing touch to the story, while Brendan Fraser's portrayal of the lovable caveman Link is both hilarious and heartwarming. Sean Astin's presence as the loyal best friend completes the perfect comedic trio. Whenever I revisit this classic, I can't help but be reminded of the good times and laughter it brings, making it a timeless favorite that I highly recommend to comedy enthusiasts of all ages. Felipe :)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/17/23

Full Review

StephenPaul C

LOL, the funniest 01 hour: and 29 minutes ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/03/23

Full Review

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Les Mayfield

Director

Sean Astin

Dave

Brendan Fraser

Link

Pauly Shore

Stoney Brown

Megan Ward

Robyn Sweeney

Robin Tunney

Ella

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Hugo Davenport

Daily Telegraph (UK)

The warp factor of Shore's customized Californian dialect goes well beyond Wayne's World. In fact I found it as inscrutable as the reason why anyone at all should go see this movie, save for Brendan Fraser's lumbering enthusiasm as Link.

Jun 6, 2023

Full Review

Sheila Johnston

Independent (UK)

The film, school of Bob and Ted and Wayne and Garth, but inferior in all regards, illustrates the Theory of Reverse Evolution.

Nov 13, 2017

Full Review

Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: D+

Sep 7, 2011

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...watchable yet somewhat disappointing...

Rated: 2.5/4

May 9, 2021

Full Review

Malcolm Johnson

Hartford Courant

The strongest contender imaginable for the worst picture of the summer.

Apr 10, 2018

Full Review

Brian Orndorf

BrianOrndorf.com

Encino Man is frighteningly dated, but it was never made to be timeless. I just wish the picture had more laughs or instinctive madness.

Rated: D

May 21, 2012

Full Review

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Synopsis

California teen Dave Morgan (Sean Astin) is digging a pit for a pool in his backyard when he happens upon a caveman frozen in a block of ice. Aided by his goofy friend Stoney (Pauly Shore), Dave transports their discovery to his garage, where the Neanderthal thaws and is revived. When Dave and Stoney find the living and thoroughly bewildered caveman, they attempt to pass him off as a foreign exchange student named Link (Brendan Fraser), resulting in many misadventures.

Director: Les Mayfield
Executive Producer: Hilton A. Green
Screenwriter: Shawn Schepps
Production Co: Hollywood Pictures, Encino Man Productions
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 22, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $40.0M
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

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