Director: Chuck Russell
Writer: Mike Webb (Screenplay) Michael Fallon, Mark Verheiden (Story)
Starring: Jim Carrey, Peter Riegert, Peter Greene, Amy Yasbeck, Richard Jeni, Tim Bagley, Cameron Diaz
Plot: Bank clerk Stanley Ipkiss is transformed into a manic super-hero when he wears a mysterious mask.
There may be spoilers the rest of the review
Verdict: Strong comedy
Story: The Mask starts by taking us to the Edge City where all the action will take place. We see the Mask released from its locked up underwater treasure chest, we then get to meet our protagonist Stanley Ipkiss (Carrey). Stanley is a lonely banker who gets walked all over by his co-workers along with people taking advantage of him during his daily life. When his bad day continues to get worse he finds a mask that transforms him into a charismatic mad man. After the Mask character gets involved in a bank robbery he ends up making enemies with the criminal minds in the town putting Stanley’s life in danger. Stanley must learn to measure his new found confidence gained from the mask to save the girl and clear his name.
The Mask makes for a great comic book story, it plays on the very simple ideas of not having enough confidence until you can become someone else. It also looks to follow very simple save the girl from villain story, easy to work with and makes for an overall entertaining idea. The Mask doesn’t try to throw any twists in the story keeping it easy to follow. It really comes off as a simple comic book story that can be followed and enjoyed by all. (8/10)
Actor Review
Jim Carrey: Stanley Ipkiss/The Mask as Stanley he is quiet laid back banker, who lets people walk all over him. After he puts on The Mask he becomes a mad man with no fear. Jim does a great job balancing the two characters with ease and being able to bounce between them with a blink of an eye. (9/10)
Cameron Diaz: Tina Carlyle beautiful woman who approaches Stanley in the bank but her motives are not what they seem. She becomes a romantic interest for Stanley. Cameron makes her debut in film here and does a good job in the damsel in distress role. (7/10)
Peter Greene: Dorian criminal that The Mask gets involved with after losing his long planed out bank job. He wants to the power of the mask but soon shows the darker side inside him. Peter does a good job as the villain but never offers anything we haven’t seen before. (7/10)
Support Cast: The Mask’s supporting cast is henchmen, police officers and a friend of Stanley’s. They all play their part to offer a few laughs for The Mask character.
Director Review: Chuck Russell – Chuck does a good job directing this fun comedy film. (7/10)
Comedy: The Mask offers plenty of laughs, with Carrey being the main cast member offering them. (8/10)
Settings: The Mask uses the settings well creating a city that is under threat from a crime lord. (9/10)
Special Effects: The Mask uses its special effects well that really haven’t dated 20 years on. (10/10)
Suggestion: The Mask is a must watch for anyone who just wants to watch an entertaining comedy where Jim Carrey shines. (Watch)
Best Part In The Mask: The Mask character is over the top and fun.
Worst Part In The Mask: In today’s market the story will look one dimensional.
Funniest Scene In In The Mask: The Mask watches Tina perform at the club.
Favourite Quote: ‘Somebody Stop ME!’
Believability: No (0/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Chances of Sequel: Has a terrible prequel
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: The Mask was nominated for Best Effects, Visual Effects.
Box Office: $351 Million
Budget: $18 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 41 Minutes
Tagline: Stanley Ipkiss is not the man he used to be.
Trivia: Jim Carrey was paid $450,000 for his work in the film, a huge bargain for New Line because the deal was signed before Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994) became a surprise hit, and made The Mask a hot property for the summer 1994 release schedule; Carrey then inked a $7 million before this film opened to star in Dumb & Dumber (1994).
Overall: Ssssssssssmoking! Comedy
Rating
