The Master of Disguise

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The Master of Disguise

PG

Released Aug 2, 2002

1h 20m

Kids & Family

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

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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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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

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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

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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

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Zach B

Loved this movie as a kid! It was one of my favorites growing up. It’s really wacky and creative. Also definitely a product of its time. As an adult it’s not as good but still a solid 4 stars. I’m not sure why everyone hates it so much. It’s a comedy, it’s not suppose to be serious. If you try to take a comedy seriously it’s obviously not going to be fun. So if you watch it keep that in mind Still one of my favorites

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/04/24

Full Review

SERT R

This movie was quoted throughout high school when it came out. Hilarious overall and just ridiculous. Dana Carvey always a classic. Still quoting this movie even till today with old friends.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/16/24

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Abraham T

A spectacular model of ridiculous humor that you'll enjoy if you don't care about what other people think about you. Childish humor, witless fun, endlessly quotable. You're probably a cultureless, disney-phile, that only enjoys the same cookie-cutter humor as any hundred movies out there if you state that this movie is bad. I think the phrase is, "you just don't get it," or, "the humor is too complex for you to understand."

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/23/24

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: 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)

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