The Master of Disguise

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The Master of Disguise

PG

2002

1h 20m

Comedy

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1%

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105 Reviews

37%

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50,000+ Ratings

Pistachio Disguisey (Dana Carvey), a genial waiter at his father Frabbrizio's (James Brolin) Italian restaurant, possesses an uncanny knack for mimicry. What he doesn't know is that his talent is genetic, and that he is the descendent of a long line of Masters of Disguise, all of whom have inherited the secret family gift known as Energico. Initially, Pistachio is a klutz, but little by little, he learns to harness his inherited power, and sallies forth to utilize Energico to its fullest.

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Critics Consensus

An ill-concieved attempt to utilize Dana Carvey's talent for mimicry, The Master of Disguise is an irritating, witless farce weighted down by sophomoric gags.

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Matt Singer

ScreenCrush

In a 40-year career in horror, David Cronenberg never dreamed up an image as chilling or stomach-churning as Dana Carvey as a human turtle.

Rated: 2/10

Jan 29, 2019

Full Review

Keith Phipps

AV Club

A film about as funny as a seeping wound.

May 29, 2013

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Christy Lemire

Associated Press

Such a sad irony that Dana Carvey, who's made his name bringing celebrities to life with uncanny impersonations, should make such a lifeless movie based on characters of his own creation.

May 29, 2013

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...fares even worse than its noxious reputation might’ve indicated.

Rated: 1/4

Oct 1, 2023

Full Review

Adam Smith

Radio Times

While some of the make-up effects are mildly diverting (Carvey disguises himself as a turtle and a cherry pie), they hardly make up for the lame screenplay, barely coherent plot and increasingly desperate mugging.

Rated: 1/5

May 2, 2014

Full Review

Total Film

If Carvey's looking for a comeback, then playing a cloying dimwit with an annoying accent isn't the place to start.

Rated: 1/5

May 29, 2013

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Arron P

The best movie , I love this movie as a child so much nostalgia, idc about the hate , I loved it as a kid and I love it more as a adult

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/02/25

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Irina N

My family and I loved this movie! Many years later we still mention it occasionally lol

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/19/25

Full Review

Donald K

One his best movies in my opinion!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/16/25

Full Review

Joshua L

Great movie for family

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/18/25

Full Review

Paige F

one of the best movies of all time. gets too much hate.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/10/25

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Chase R.

An underrated, under appreciated masterpiece in disguise. Terribly terrific & comical, a true classic for the 90’s generation.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/31/25

Full Review

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Perry Andelin Blake

Director

Dana Carvey

Pistachio

Jennifer Esposito

Jennifer

Harold Gould

Grandfather

James Brolin

Frabbriziio

Brent Spiner

Bowman

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Synopsis

Pistachio Disguisey (Dana Carvey), a genial waiter at his father Frabbrizio's (James Brolin) Italian restaurant, possesses an uncanny knack for mimicry. What he doesn't know is that his talent is genetic, and that he is the descendent of a long line of Masters of Disguise, all of whom have inherited the secret family gift known as Energico. Initially, Pistachio is a klutz, but little by little, he learns to harness his inherited power, and sallies forth to utilize Energico to its fullest.

Director: Perry Andelin Blake
Producer: Sidney Ganis, Alex Siskin, Barry Bernardi, Todd Garner
Screenwriter: Dana Carvey, Harris Goldberg
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Happy Madison Productions, Out of the Blue... Entertainment, Revolution Studios
Rating: PG (Some Crude Humor|Mild Language)
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 2, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 10, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $40.4M
Runtime: 1h 20m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Dolby A, SDDS, DTS, Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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