The Mask-This is All About Jim Carey
1994's The Mask is one of those original, innovative films that Hollywood seems increasingly pressed to produce. The concept is simple enough a lonely guy named Stanley finds a magical mask that once put on allows the wearer to pretty much become a human cartoon character possessing nearly god-like superpowers. For its day, the visual effects are great, but what really makes this simple story tick is the supercharged performance by Jim Carey, who is obviously bursting with energy. Carey's performance in The Mask is one of those rare films where one can tell the actor really, really appreciated the job he had landed and was making the most of it. This alone makes The Mask stand out and is at the center of why the film was such a hit, grossing somewhere around $300 million. This is a fine accomplishment considering the a budget that was in the $15-$20 million dollar range.
The Mask is littered with all sorts of pop culture references, spiked with Carey's own unique flare and flavor, ranging from Eastwood to cartoon characters we all know and love. Few, if any of Carey's early films, really demonstrate better than The Mask, why he was destined for great things. Carey as The Mask is what made the film, pure and simple. This is not to minimize the credit for novel script based on the Dark Horse Comic and the directing by Charles Russell, who went on to direct Eraser and The Scorpion King. The Mask has a great deal going for it, but it is Carey's show and in unique way. Few films are so about the explosive personality of the performer, especially when that film is laced with an abundance of effects shots, but The Mask is that kind of film and it stands out as such.
If for some reason you have not seen this film, rent it when you need a few good laughs. It might seem somewhat dated and it is most definitely silly, but Carey's energy level is a unique display of a Hollywood star who truly appreciated the job he had been given.
Story B (The script is solid but the movie is really all about Carey and the effects.)
Acting A (Carey uses The Mask to showcase what he can do and it is a very entertaining demo.)
Visuals A
Originality/Innovation A
Enjoyability Grade A
Home Theater/HD Factor A
Overall Grade A- (A stronger script would have been nice but the film is so much fun you often forget it's simplicity. Carey and everyone who worked hard on the effects side deserve so much credit for making The Mask an amazing hit.)
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