--- title: "The Mask: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-mask/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/the-mask" critics_score: 73 critics_reviews: 10 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # The Mask (1994): what the critics said Critics' score 73 from 10 reviews: 9 positive, 0 mixed, 1 negative. Most critics like The Mask, and nearly all of them like it for the same reason: Jim Carrey. The reviews describe the film as a vehicle built around his manic energy and physical comedy, and several say his performance is its best special effect. The effects are the other point of agreement, with the Tex Avery cartoon homage and the transformation sequences praised as bright, fast and inventive. Cameron Diaz’s debut and Peter Riegert’s deadpan detective get supporting mentions. The reservations are about everything else. Several reviews call the plot derivative or thin and say the film aims no higher than being a playground for its star, though most treat that as a fair trade. The spread is narrow, with one exception: The New York Times finds it lazy and perfunctory, an effects-driven revenge fantasy with little story or character. Later reviews are warmer, with one rewatch finding a parable about drink and confidence underneath the gags. ## Variety — Leonard Klady Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 28 July 1994. The film is a money-making machine that is adroitly directed, visually dynamic and just plain fun, with Jim Carrey perfectly cast and strong support from the cast and effects that evoke classic cartoons. It should be one of the year's biggest commercial successes. [Read the review](https://variety.com/1994/film/reviews/the-mask-2-1200437821/) ## Radio Times — Alan Jones Rating 4/5. Jim Carrey consolidates his success with a stunning tribute to Tex Avery-style animation. Computer-generated effects drive the slick showcase for his unpredictable talents as a mild-mannered banker turned wild superhero. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-crymp3/the-mask/) ## The AV Club — Jarrod Jones Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 29 July 2024. The critic praises the 1994 film's manic comedy and highlights how Peter Riegert's deadpan performance as Lt. Kellaway provides essential comic timing and elevates the material alongside Jim Carrey's energetic lead role. [Read the review](https://www.avclub.com/the-mask-peter-riegert-jim-carrey-anniversary) ## Time Out — TCh Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 3 May 2011. The critic calls it a treat and a classic 90s Jekyll and Hyde story. Director Russell pays homage to Tex Avery with bright design and eye-popping transformations, but Carrey's star turn is the film's best special effect. [Read the review](https://www.timeout.com/movies/the-mask-1) ## Empire — Kim Newman Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 1 January 2000. The review notes the film's tailoring to Jim Carrey's comic talents and praises its energetic, visually inventive sequences when the mask is worn, despite some plot impatience and 90s artefact qualities. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/empire-essay-mask-review/) ## RogerEbert.com — Roger Ebert Rating 3/4. 29 July 1994. The film serves as an ideal showcase for Jim Carrey's manic energy and comic invention, anchored by the mask's transformative concept and lively visual design. Cameron Diaz makes a strong debut with strong chemistry that helps sustain the derivative plot. [Read the review](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-mask-1994) ## Los Angeles Times Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 28 July 1994. Jim Carrey proves a charming comic actor with strong physical humor and likable presence, supported by impressive special effects from Industrial Light & Magic that enhance the cartoonish transformation. The film works well as a playful showcase for Carrey's talents despite not aspiring to more than that. [Read the review](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-07-28-ca-20633-story.html) ## The Independent — Adam Mars-Jones Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 18 August 1994. The critic highlights the film's impressive special effects and Jim Carrey's transformed, beguiling performance as the masked character, praising its lightness of touch and visual flair drawn from Tex Avery cartoons. [Read the review](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/film-a-big-hand-for-sfx-adam-marsjones-looks-beneath-charles-russell-s-beguiling-the-mask-1384454.html) ## The New York Times — Janet Maslin Fi1m's normalised score 30/100 (inferred from the text). 29 July 1994. The movie is a lazy and perfunctory effort that fails to fully realize Jim Carrey's comic potential, functioning mainly as a revenge fantasy with flashy effects but little substance or memorable storytelling. It illustrates troubling trends in special-effects-driven films that prioritize gimmickry over plot and character. [Read the review](https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/29/movies/film-review-the-mask-wild-card-in-a-game-of-dirty-tricks.html) ## Den of Geek — Wil Jones Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 21 November 2014. The critic finds the 1994 film better than remembered upon rewatch, appreciating its depth as a parable about alcohol and confidence. Jim Carrey's performance and the inventive CGI are singled out for praise. [Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/books/looking-back-at-the-mask/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/the-mask.md