Ace Ventura, the iconic pet detective, returns for another adventure in “Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls.” Directed by Steve Oedekerk, this sequel takes the eccentric detective out of his familiar Miami surroundings and thrusts him into the wilds of Africa. While the premise promises fresh comedic situations and a departure from the first film’s context, the execution delivers mixed results.
Starting on a positive note, Jim Carrey, as expected, is the life and soul of the movie. His boundless energy, impeccable comic timing, and quintessential zaniness are on full display. Carrey’s portrayal of Ace is as charming and humorous as ever, and he single-handedly elevates many scenes that would have otherwise fallen flat. It’s no exaggeration to say that the film is worth watching for Carrey’s performance alone.
Additionally, the movie’s setting in Africa provides some visually stunning backdrops and introduces unique cultural elements that the first film lacked. The cinematography, especially in capturing the vast African landscapes, is commendable.
However, “When Nature Calls” faces issues, chief among them being its penchant for recycling jokes from its predecessor. Though sequels are naturally expected to carry forward certain elements, the reliance on repeated humor occasionally makes the movie feel like a reheated version of the original.
More importantly, the film’s portrayal of African culture can be problematic. While it’s meant to be humorous, the reliance on outdated stereotypes and clichés could be seen as insensitive by today’s standards. What might have passed as acceptable humor in the 1990s can feel tone-deaf and cringe-worthy to contemporary audiences.
The narrative structure is another weak link. The plot, revolving around a tribal war instigated by a missing sacred animal, often feels disjointed. Scenes sometimes transition without a clear connection, leading to narrative gaps that might leave viewers scratching their heads. The film seems more interested in setting up the next comedic set piece than in crafting a coherent story.
However, some secondary characters do shine. Ian McNeice as Fulton Greenwall provides a reliable counterpoint to Ventura’s madness, and his interactions with Carrey offer some of the film’s best comedic moments. Simon Callow, as Vincent Cadby, also gives a memorable performance, with his melodramatic villainy perfectly fitting the film’s over-the-top tone.
In the end, “Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls” is a mixed bag. While Jim Carrey’s performance and some genuinely funny moments ensure that the film isn’t a total miss, its recycled humor, problematic cultural portrayals, and disjointed narrative keep it from reaching the comedic heights of the original. It’s a watchable sequel, especially for Ace Ventura fans, but it lacks the fresh charm and originality that made the first film a cult classic.
