Critics Scoreboard
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Average Critic Score:
37
(14 sources)
37
(14 sources)
-
90
Washington Post
A riot from start to finish, Carrey's first feature comedy is as cheerfully bawdy as it is idiotically inventive. Read Full Review » -
80
Washington Post
Treat this project as you would a safari: It has its slow parts but the wildlife makes it worthwhile. Read Full Review » -
80
Los Angeles Times
He's so over-energized from the start you keep thinking he'll wear out his welcome pronto; an hour and a half later, his lunacy is still hard to take your eyes off. [04Feb1994 Pg. F6] Read Full Review » -
75
TV Guide
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective marks the ascendance of a new star in film farce, as Jim Carrey elevates this stupid, suprisingly shoddy picture into the comedy stratosphere, mainly thanks to his Gumby-like ability to contort his face and body in the most amazing ways. Read Full Review » -
63
USA Today
While the rubber-limbed Carrey may not yet be in the hyper-manic league of Jerry Lewis or Robin Williams, his psychotic energy goes a long way to make this plot-anemic comedy palatable. [04Feb1994 Pg. 07.D] Read Full Review » -
50
The New York Times
The movie has the metabolism, logic and attention span of a peevish 6-year-old. Read Full Review » -
40
-
40
Variety
Seemingly clueless as to how best to utilize Carrey, or make humorous hay out of its pet-loving shamus' central character, Ventura fails to place either Carrey or Ace in the winner's circle of memorable screen crazies. Read Full Review » -
38
ReelViews
From the start, it's obvious that this is a vehicle for his comedy, and it mostly works -- for about ten to fifteen minutes. After that, Carrey's act gradually grows less humorous and more tiresome, and the laughter in the audience seems forced. Read Full Review » -
30
Austin Chronicle
Manic energy is the term that comes most readily to mind when describing Ace Ventura. Read Full Review » -
25
Chicago Sun-Times
I found the movie a long, unfunny slog through an impenetrable plot. Kids might like it. Read Full Review » -
20
Chicago Reader
The most obnoxious case of masculine swagger since Andrew Dice Clay, with just a tad of Paul Lynde thrown in for spice, Jim Carrey defies you not to bolt for the exit while playing the title hero in this 1994 comic mystery. Read Full Review » -
10
The New Yorker
In this smutty kiddie farce he's a clownish action toy, and he grows wearying, fast. Read Full Review » -
0
Entertainment Weekly
Carrey suggests an escaped mental patient impersonating a game-show host-and, what's worse, his hyperbolically obnoxious shtick is the whole damned show. Read Full Review »
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