Jim Carrey a Second Time: Ace Ventura 2

Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls is a hilariously unforgettable sequel that sees Jim Carrey once again embody the one-of-a-kind, animal-loving detective Ace Ventura. Set against the backdrop of rural Africa, this 1995 film is packed with Carrey's zany energy, over-the-top physical comedy, and iconic catchphrases, making it a go-to for fans of 90s slapstick humor.

This time around, Ace is on a mission to retrieve a sacred bat and prevent an all-out tribal war. While the storyline is simple, it perfectly serves as a platform for Carrey's comedic talents. The film, directed by Steve Oedekerk, blends humor and adventure, and even though most of the "African" scenes were actually filmed in South Carolina, British Columbia, and Texas, the movie convincingly captures the spirit of a jungle journey.

The writing here strikes a great balance, offering more hits than misses. From cultural gags and visual punchlines to wild sight gags that push Carrey's flexibility and expressions to their limits, the film doesn’t miss a beat. Ace’s slapstick comedy reaches its pinnacle in scenes like the mechanical rhino escape, his entrance at a royal dining hall, and the hilarious (and slightly uncomfortable) ritual spitting. This kind of humor may feel crude to some, especially with jokes about bodily functions and “guano” references, but it's undeniably Carrey’s playground.

Supporting characters, like Fulton Greenwall, provide essential contrast to Ace’s wackiness, while standout moments with the “Tiny Warrior” add their own comedy. However, the supporting female lead, the Princess , is underused in comparison to more prominent female roles from the previous film.

Ace Ventura’s humor is pure 90s fare, and this film embraces it with open arms. It’s a lighter, more PG-friendly version of *Pet Detective*, but there’s no shortage of memorable moments. Though the pacing could be tighter—especially in the prolonged intro scenes in Tibet—it quickly finds its stride as soon as Ace arrives in Africa.

Ultimately, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls has a cult following for a reason. The physical comedy and clever writing keep fans coming back, and Jim Carrey’s elastic, irreverent performance cements this film as an outrageous, slapstick classic. If you're looking for belly laughs, clever quips, and a bit of nostalgic comedy gold, this film deserves a prime spot in your collection.