The Master of Disguise

Play trailer

The Master of Disguise

PG

Released Aug 2, 2002

1h 20m

Kids & Family

Comedy

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

1%

Tomatometer

105 Reviews

37%

Popcornmeter

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.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Buy Now

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.

Read Critics Reviews

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

Read all reviews

Jack I

Turtle was not good enough it should have done ninja moves

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

12/27/24

Full Review

Jordan P

It is pretty clear to me that the majority of reviewers here are not, infact, a member of the turtle club, nor are they turtly enough for the turtle club. But all serious though, this movie is dumb, but its dumb good.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/27/24

Full Review

Tyler R

movie is ridiculous, which is perfect. it still holds up years later. if you try to take this movie seriously you wont like it. no idea how rotten tomatoes gave this classic 1% its definitely not the best movie but that's way to harsh

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/19/24

Full Review

Seth B

Despite what people think yes, this movie is awful as an adult but I definitely have very fond memories of this movie in my youth. I still find myself quoting it unintentionally so if that doesn't tell you something other than I had awful taste in movies as a kid or cared for the goofy and silliness that I found to be funny as a child I don't know. Who cares what critics think anyway.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/10/24

Full Review

K C

This movie is ridiculous but I love it. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 1% but I give it a 100%. It is supposed to be silly, ridiculous, and fun. It meets all of that and I will watch it again and again unlike Joker 2 even though I wasted 24.99 on it. These top critics gave the Joker 2 a 32% if that gives you an indication on their mental state or their taste in cinema. They probably should start reviewing female hygiene products and leave movie reviews to people who like movies.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/10/24

Full Review

Brittany C

I believe this movie has a very different following and different take on comedy which is why I LOVE this movie! Those who are willing to give it a try if you still have a piece of kid-like state of mind you’ll enjoy this movie :) Especially if you like fart jokes!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/10/24

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Perry Andelin Blake

Director

Dana Carvey

Pistachio

Jennifer Esposito

Jennifer

Harold Gould

Grandfather

James Brolin

Frabbriziio

Brent Spiner

Bowman

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

Are We There Yet?

11%

45%

Are We There Yet?

Watchlist

Daddy Day Care

27%

48%

Daddy Day Care

Watchlist

Inspector Gadget

20%

18%

Inspector Gadget

Watchlist

Big Fat Liar

45%

44%

Big Fat Liar

Watchlist

See Spot Run

24%

44%

See Spot Run

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Does The Master of Disguise Deserve Cult Status?

50 Worst Summer Movies of All Time

Gondry and Jack Black Promise to "Rewind"

View more photos

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: Kids & Family, 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)

Most Popular at Home Now