Ace Ventura: Un loco en África

I didn't think the first movie was any great shakes.

Sure, it had Carrey in it, running amok and mugging and mimicking and making every rude sound a kid would learn by eighth grade. But the story just kept getting in the way.

That's why "When Nature Calls", in my opinion, is much funnier.

The story of securing a sacred bat is neither too intrusive nor annoying and leaves room for gags aplenty.

And Carrey.... Well, he enters a slapstick marathon and wins the gold in every event. I swear the man is made of rubber.

Some of the jokes are pretty gross (the spitting ritual, the "guano" references, etc.) but why should that come as any surprise? Most comedies gear for that kind of humor anymore and, more or less sophisticated, reach the same common denominator: body fluids is funny, dude.

Still, without the fluids and functions, there are still great scenes (Ace's entrance in the dining hall, the monks' reaction to his departure, his behavior at the slide show, his driving habits, his escape from a mechanical rhino) and plenty of opportunities to see Hollywood's most uninhibited comedian use every conceivable part of his body to make us laugh.

I laughed. His work is done.

When this "Nature" calls, answer it.

Nine stars. And remember: do not pass go, do not collect $200.

Jim Carrey is one of those actors you will find yourself either adoring or hating. He does not ever "underact." This movie made me laugh so hard I cried (even after the fifth time!) From the robot rhino scene to the monopoly guy Jim knows how to be hilarious. I saw the first one (liked it a lot) and have to say this one is way better! I am a huge fan of Carrey. I don't think there are many people who can make such a variety of facial expressions. The only reason this is not a ten is because there is (as usual with Carrey) some inappropriate stuff thrown in. But if your love laughing and you love Jim, this movie will fit you "Like a glove!"

For those of you who suffered through awful sequels to great Jim Carrey films (Dumb And Dumberer, Son Of The Mask), you know that what was missing was Carrey himself (and good writing, and a good plot...but anyway). Carrey made this film work. Because despite a lot of problems with the writing, his talent, charisma, and delivery saved it.

This isn't a great film, but it's worth a watch every now and then. And it has some very funny scenes, that Carrey gave it his all in. What sets the difference here is that while WNC has the same problems as those aforementioned garbage sequels, the saving grace was primarily Jim Carrey himself. He can get away with over-exaggerating what made the predecessor work. This is indeed Ace Ventura cranked up to 11 on the ridiculous scale. Where he's apparently become such a deranged caricature that he can't form a coherent thought for 10 seconds, without breaking in to a weird character or impersonation. "Well, it worked for the first film!" Ugh, it gets pretty bad at times.

But still...there's something you gotta like about this movie. And maybe that's Carrey himself. Nobody else would have ever made this work. And why should they try? A character, that's been turned in to a caricature in the sequel, played by a different actor? No, it wouldn't have worked. But WNC is pretty watchable, and pretty funny. It knows it doesn't take itself seriously (check out the monster truck scene). Having seen it plenty of times growing up, it may not hold a candle to the original, but it still happens to be pretty funny. I give it a 7, which may be a little generous. But there were some legitimately great scenes in this movie. Overall, it's not great, but not bad at all. I'd say to check it out if you liked the first film.

Jim Carrey is at it again! This time our hero Ace Ventura goes out of retirement and ventures into Africa to investigate a rare white bat and has to go up against a big game hunter and his henchmen who have stolen the bat. And Ace is grossed out and frightened of bats! Ace Ventura When Nature Calls is just as witty and hilarious as it's predessessor.

My favorite scenes were when Ace captured Quinn, and 'tormented' him by trying to make him talk about the whereabouts of the white bat.

And who can forget seeing Jim Carrey driving a monster truck shouting, "Nobody wants to play with me"! And a lot of other scenes that I can't describe because it was all funny! Other Carrey fans might agree too if they had seen all his movies!

Give Ace Ventura parts 1 and 2 a chance! Those movies deserve to be watched, unless of course you don't like comedies! ;) And I completely understand why some people wouldn't like him or his humor and that's fine with me. Heck, Jim Carrey is so popular, that during the theatrical releases of some of his earlier movies later on became animated series for the younger generation of fans! A great movie to watch with family, friends, and fellow Jim Carrey fans! I give both Ace Ventura movies 4 stars!

The same again, except now in an exotic location.

If you can stomach at all Carrey's unfiltered shenanigans where subtlety is the greatest sin then this passes the time pleasantly but forgettable, good for weekday night or maybe just killing time on a Saturday morning with your poptarts.

The mystery is enjoyable enough and well thought through enough, the animal presence is impeccable and I love the local color.

I didn't get the impression of it being too culturally insensitive.

There isn't really a character arc but you wouldn't really want one. Ventura helps forgive himself for something so there is that.

I'm glad that no characters other than him return.