For the cartoon lover in us all

Rating: Null/10 (11 October 2003)

Jim Carrey lets it all out in `The Mask', and he hasn't stopped. The role seems to be perfect for Carrey, who is famous for being the `rubber-faced' comedian of Hollywood. In his true breakout role, Carrey plays bank teller Stanley Ipkiss. We all know people like this: so friendly and nice that they become nothing but doormats and then are too nice to even ask us to stop. However, after being tossed out of a nightclub one night (and being humiliated in front of his dream girl, played by Cameron Diaz), he finds a mysterious mask floating in the river. It may seem like an ordinary mask for now, but when Ipkiss puts it on, his inner-self is released. Finally, he's able to be as free-spirited and cartoon-like as he's always dreamed (we learn early on he's a huge cartoon fan). He now has the power to do whatever he wanted but not before taking some revenge on those who make him miserable. I watch this movie for two main characters: Ipkiss and his faithful dog Milo. When the Mask is on the screen, the audience cheers. When Milo is on the screen, they cheer even louder. When Milo puts on the Mask well, you get the idea.
As usual, Carrey is an utter delight, letting loose in this role and bending it to his will. It's this type of comedy that die-hard fans fell in love with, not to mention creating future roles including `Liar Liar', `Me, Myself and Irene', and `Bruce Almighty'. I still laugh like crazy when Ipkiss puts on the mask. For the record, if a person is not a fan of cartoons, then they are not going to like this movie. It includes plenty of references to classic cartoon characters (not to mention a fitting tribute to Tex Avery's Wolf). I'm an avid cartoon fanatic, so this was a movie that was right up my alley. If you're an fan of the old animated slapstick, then I recommend this movie with 5 neon stars! If not well, best try your luck somewhere else.