Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls

Cast: Jim Carrey, Ian McNeice, Simon Callow, Bob Gaunton and Sophie Okonedo.

Director: Steve Oedekerk

Release Date: 1995

Running Time: 1hr 30 minutes

Genre: Comedy

Rating: PG-13

Format: DVD

Synopsis:

Ace Ventura is back once again this time in search of a very rare white bat which is thought to be the sacred animal of an African tribe. 

Ace Ventura finds himself in the heart of Africa in search of a rare white bat, thought to be belonging to an African tribe. Ventura has a few suspects, but must enlist in some help from translator Fulton Greenwall (McNiece), to help find the culprit. The adventure that follows is absolutely superb! Steve Oedekerk directs the sequel starring Jim Carrey and Ian McNiece. Rumour has it, Carrey wasn't so keen to make a sequel, despite the success of the first film. Carrey didn't like the idea that his character didn't like bats despite loving all animals in the first film. He was also nervous about the way the Native characters were shown, that people make take offence to it.

Director Steve Oedekerk was very clever with his direction in making sure the Native characters were not shown in the wrong light. The humour is very tongue in cheek and shouldn't be taken too seriously. Jim Carrey is absolutely fabulous as Ace Ventura, delivering a highly entertaining and humorous performance. The chemistry on screen between Carrey and McNiece is hilarious, they bounce off each other beautifully. It's remarkable McNiece was able to keep a straight face through out filming.

Simon Callow plays bad guy Vincent Cadby, thought to be the suspect behind the bat's disappearance. Callow delivers a very good performance, sinister and completely up his own backside he certainly gives the impression that he could be behind the bat's disappearance. The dialogue between characters is even more tremendous then the first, especially with Ventura's witty one-liners. For someone who is meant to love animals, director Steve Odekerk has certainly made Ventura out to be somewhat of a wimp in terms of his experience with animals.

Speaking of animals, the wildlife through out the movie is gorgeous. Every animal that you can think of that is native to Africa was shown on screen at some point. Perfect for a pet detective. Despite Ventura's flamboyant personality, he's a very clever man, if you pay close attention there is an awful lot of science behind his reasoning. Visually a very nice looking film, shot fantastically, with gorgeous close ups of Ace Ventura at work.

An interesting soundtrack from a mixture of artists that works surprisingly well. It creates a fun atmosphere on screen, Sting's "Spirts in a material world" works particularly well during the end credits. Magnificently funny, a movie that the whole family can enjoy!

5/5 stars