Jim Carrey had already made waves in the first of the ACE VENTURA films around the same time that THE MASK was made – and he evolved into the most entertaining comic talent since Robin Williams with the same level of manic improv.
In THE MASK, Carrey plays wimp-ish bank teller Stanley Ipkiss, who lives on his own with his dog in an apartment watching old Tex Avery cartoons. One day, whilst working at the bank, he entertains potential customer Tina Carlyle (Cameron Diaz) who is taken with his tie, but she is there to secretly take photos of the bank vault behind Stanley for a bank job
Invited to a party at a top club, he is thrown back into the street, but in the process sees Tina again and gets into his run down car which isn’t exactly date material. Breaking down on a bridge, he sees what appears to be a floating body, but in fact it is a load of junk.
However, amidst the junk he comes across a mask, which he tries on – and is transformed into a flamboyant confident ‘SMOKIN’ alter ego which changes his fortunes. Soon enough, he is finding a lot more to do – not least raining on the parade of the club owner (Peter Greene) who happens to be Tina’s boyfriend who is also keen to get hold of the bank’s money, which Stanley’s alter ego steals….
With visual effects by the legendary Industrial Light & Magic, THE MASK was one of the first post-JURASSIC PARK movies that utilised the CGI we take for granted with dividends. The dog also has some fun moments – and one of the best involving Carrey involves his wardrobe…
A fun film for all the family