Carrey Makes Himself Known With This Film

Rating: 8/10 (3 May 2005)

Before the master comedies of Dumb and Dumber (1994), Liar Liar (1997), and Man on the Moon (1999), there was The Mask. Stanley Ipkiss is a nice bank clerk but is unable to stand up to anyone and pretty much a pushover to anyone. After the worst night of his life, Stanley's car breaks down on a bridge overlooking the river. As Stanley beats his car he sees something in the water.
After retrieving it, he walks home. That night he throws the mask on to his face to scare his dog, Milo (Max) an incredible force overtakes him and his face becomes green. He is overcome with a supernatural power to create things and cause mischief. That night he enacts a little 'revenge' on the mean people of the day including his land lady and car mechanics.
But soon Stanley's fun is disturbed when his goofs indirectly lead to the death of small time mob boss Dorian (Peter Greene). Avenge is enacted and Dorian is now out to kill all the gangsters of the city and retrieve this mysterious mask. Along the way Stanley gets help from local beautiful dancer Tina Carlyle (Cameron Diaz), Max, and Lt. Kellaway (Peter Riegert).
The Mask is smart, it's funny, and it's one of Carrey's earliest films and Diaz's first film. The Mask is filled with gags and humorous jokes one of the best being Stanley dancing with Tina and being shot, then accepting an Oscar for portraying the killing. Carrey does good work with Stanley and makes him out to be a total loser with a dog as his only friend.
You'll laugh to tears and have a fun time while watching Carrey transform into the mischievous 'Mask Man' and along with Milo once. Some things maybe scary for kids but not intended and humor will quickly follow.
The Mask. Starring: Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz, Peter Riegert, Peter Greene, and Max.
3 1/2 out of 5 Stars.