MASK [DVD] [1994]

The problem is, though, that this DVD really doesn't do the brilliant film justice. I don't normally notice the sound quality in films - my ears aren't that great and I only have stereo speakers anyway, so I don't usually mind the sound in films that others condemn to the pits of hell. This dvd is an exception. For some reason, totally unknown to me, it goes quiet, loud, quiet, loud, regardless of the on-screen action. This is particularly annoying and noticeable during the otherwise brilliant dance numbers. Also the speech occasionally slips out of lip-sync. These problems aren't enough to really spoil your enjoyment of The Mask, but they are worth mentioning all the same.

Otherwise the disc is OK - extras include interview bites with all the important cast members (Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz, Max the Dog) and brief B-reels and making-of documentaries. There is also a trailer, cast profiles and a commentary by the director. Note: no alternative langauges or subtitles.

"The Mask", as a film resembles a comic book in several ways, not only is Jim Carrey always a character straight from a cartoon strip but it is a film full of colour and typical cartoon humour containing a barrel load of stupendously childish yet funny one-liners that even the most grown up of adults cannot help but laugh at.

The storyline is very energetic, Stanley Ipkiss (Jim Carrey) is just your average man until he finds the mask that completely transforms him into an over-the-top, stylish character straight from a comic book with no morals whatsoever, to put it frankly there are no restrictions for what the new Stanley Ipkiss can accomplish. Despite his apparent arrogance, he works out that he actually is a "superhero" to an extent. So obviously he will use his newly equipped "super powers" any way he can resulting in outrageously witty scenes.

Computer Graphics are obviously used for the film's animation and it works a treat giving some great effects and lots of bold colours increasing the comic effect.

Clearly Jim Carrey gives one of the best performences of his career but it is not only him as a major actor talent who stars in the film. For it is the first big time appearence for the now superstar Cameron Diaz, she is used well as the heroine and indeed lives up to her role in now typical Diaz manner, performing superbly. An other memorable show would be from Peter Riegret who plays the irritant and petulant police officer who can never truely believe what is going on during the course of the film.

Whether comedy is your prefered genre or not, "The Mask" is definately worthy of a watch. Feast on a comic book creation being transferred onto the big screen in an all time "Carrey classic", this film will definately bring out your childish side.

85/100