The Master of Disguise

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The Master of Disguise

PG

Released Aug 2, 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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Jace E

One star for nostalgia. Man, this movie is really not good. I decided to show it to my kids for movie night and I'm not sure it was a great choice. Dana Carvey's impressions are funny at times, but the only laughs coming from our house were a result of Devlin's laughing flatulence. Best Character: Fabbrizio Best Quote: "Am I not turtley enough for the turtle club." - Pistachio Best Scene: Training Note: It was funny to realize how quotable this movie is, while also being completely stupid and absurd. Note 2: Also, a lot of the cameos dated this movie significantly, specifically when they aren't memorable people now.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

06/09/25

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Coremac M

The cinematic equivalent to being gagged and stabbed

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

05/21/25

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Sarah H

Keeping in mind that this movie is from 2002, so when I first saw it, I was a young teenager and found it absolutely hilarious! The comedy is definitely geared more towards young teens. Watching it again as an adult, some parts definitely didn’t age well; however, I still get a laugh at Dana Carvey’s performance. Not to mention some lines are still pretty quoteable “Turtle.. Turtle!” Overall I’m giving this movie 2 stars - parts are cringey, it’s a little lame, but you do get some laughs.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

05/19/25

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Jackie B

It's a fun movie. I don't care what the rest of you pompous assholes have to say about it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/09/25

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Matt G

My type of comedy through and through. Not sure how this movie gets such a bad wrap. My guess is that it’s kinda a cheesy movie and people don’t like that but it only makes it better in my opinion. I used to watch it all the time as a kid and just yesterday got my wife to watch it with me and she loved it too. This movie is the perfect example of when people say that it must be good because of how bad the critics hate it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/06/25

Full Review

Abigail L

This movie is a staple of my childhood and anyone that gives it anything less than a 5 star has absolutely NO sense of humor in their entire body. It’s literally a PG version of Austin powers. Grow up and live a lil.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/05/25

Full Review

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Perry Andelin Blake

Director

Dana Carvey

Pistachio

Jennifer Esposito

Jennifer

Harold Gould

Grandfather

James Brolin

Frabbriziio

Brent Spiner

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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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