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

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

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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

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Lauren L

This is a classic that brings back good memories. Not sure I'd want to be associated with anyone who had anything bad to say about one of my favorite movies. If you like to laugh, it is a must watch !

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/02/25

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Jennifer S

I dont know why people hate this movie so much. I love it! It's corny yes...but its funny. It has quotable lines and great comediens.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/11/25

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RICARDO A

Don’t Waste Your Time Watching this junk, This Movie is Unfunny in every step of the way. The Infamous Turtle Disguise Scene does live in my head rent free, but the rest of the film just kills comedy and it hurts!

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

04/09/25

Full Review

Rodney T

I don't understand how this movie scored so low. I myself think this is a good movie. My wife and I both really like it. I've watched it over and over. I guess the people that down scored this movie will never be turtley enough for the turtle club.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/27/25

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Omega P

It was a feel good funny movie. And its critics dont understand how many kids loved this film. It was supposed to be goofy and plain dumb which made it funny!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/25/25

Full Review

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Perry Andelin Blake

Director

Dana Carvey

Pistachio

Jennifer Esposito

Jennifer

Harold Gould

Grandfather

James Brolin

Frabbriziio

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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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