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Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls

Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995)

Nov 10, 1995 1h 30m Crime Comedy Adventure

Summoned from an ashram in Tibet, Ace finds himself on a perilous journey into the jungles of Africa to find Shikaka, the missing sacred animal of the friendly Wachati tribe. He must accomplish this before the wedding of the Wachati's Princess to the prince of the warrior Wachootoos. If Ace fails, the result will be a vicious tribal war.

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Directed by Steve Oedekerk

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Steve Oedekerk
Writer
  • Steve Oedekerk
Producer
  • James G. Robinson
  • Bob Israel
  • Andrew G. La Marca

Reviews

Andre Gonzales
5/10

Not any where as good as the 1st. It was ok. Not as funny. I guess I just didn't like the whole jungle theme.

Apr 6, 2023

Filipe Manuel Neto
3/10

**Uninteresting, the film is only not worse thanks to Jim Carrey.**

Personally, I liked the first movie. Jim Carrey is a force of nature and almost always manages to surprise us with his crazy things. Unfortunately, this film is inferior, much inferior, and in good part due to the poor level of comedy, which abuses sexual and scatological humor to make jokes, increasingly predictable and unfunny.

I really think that the film's problem is in the script, a piece of garbage that shouldn't have been used for anything other than a good bonfire. Another problem is the departure of Tom Shadyac and the replacement by Steve Oedekerk, a director who is incapable of having the same creativity and comic spirit. These two problems doomed the film.

Jim Carrey turns out to be the least guilty. He continues to be a huge actor and carries the entire film on his shoulders with a panache and ability that is difficult to match, as far as comedies are concerned. I think he embarked too much on easy humor, he let himself go down a less friendly and less familiar path than would be desirable, but even so, he deserves a positive note. Simon Callow is the only supporting actor to earn a good grade, with the rest being average.

Technically, the film is poor. The sets and costumes are predictable and not pretty, the recreation of the African environment has aromas of falsehood (as if we were watching a school theater play and not a big budget film) and the effects are poor. The amount of animals involved is remarkable, and the animals deserve all the attention as they are, almost, actors in their own right.

Aug 12, 2023

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Thematic Analysis

Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls represents a fascinating example of Crime/Comedy/Adventure cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Steve Oedekerk brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1995, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $30.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 127 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 1434 individual shots.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
  • The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1995, when this film was released:
  • Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
  • The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike High and Low, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Carambola's Philosophy: In the Right Pocket and Home Alone 4 explore similar territory, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: November 10, 1995
  • Runtime: 1h 30m
  • Budget: $30,000,000
  • Revenue: $212,385,533