🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Steve Oedekerk
- Genre: Comedy, Adventure, Crime
- Release year: 1995
- Runtime (length): 1h 30min
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10 (240K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 35%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A weirdo pet detective goes to Africa, insults everyone, gets chased by tribes, and births himself from a rhino… it’s a sequel!
🍿 Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Himalayan Hideaway and a New Mission
The film opens with Ace Ventura in the Himalayas, attempting to rescue a raccoon in a parody of Cliffhanger, which ends in disaster. Devastated, Ace retreats to a Tibetan monastery seeking inner peace. He’s soon approached by Fulton Greenwall, a British diplomat, who offers him a new case: finding Shikaka, a sacred white bat, in Africa.

Ventura in Africa: Unraveling the Mystery
Ace travels to Africa and begins his investigation, navigating cultural differences and his own intense fear of bats. He learns that Shikaka is intended as a wedding gift between the Wachati and Wachootoo tribes and its disappearance threatens to ignite a tribal war. Ace contends with various suspects and perilous situations while struggling to overcome his phobia.

The Culprit Revealed
Through astral projection, Ace consults with the Grand Abbot and realizes that Vincent Cadby, the head of the consulate, is behind the theft. Cadby intends to incite war between the tribes so he can exploit the land for its guano deposits, planning to sell it as fertilizer. Ace confronts Cadby and thwarts his scheme in a chaotic showdown involving local wildlife and a monster truck.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Ace Ventura (Jim Carrey): An eccentric pet detective who must overcome his fear of bats to find a sacred white bat and prevent tribal war.
- Fulton Greenwall (Ian McNeice): A British explorer who hires Ace to find the missing sacred bat, Shikaka.
- Vincent Cadby (Simon Callow): The corrupt head of the consulate who orchestrates the bat’s disappearance to exploit the tribal lands for guano.
- Ouda (Maynard Eziashi): A member of the Wachati tribe who assists Ace and is devoted to the tribe’s princess.
- The Wachati Princess (Sophie Okonedo): The Wachati princess whose arranged marriage is dependent on the return of Shikaka, the sacred bat.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Ace: “Alrighty then!” – A classic Ace Ventura catchphrase used throughout the movie to express enthusiasm.
- Ace: “Like a glove!” – Ace’s signature phrase after perfectly executing something, often in a ridiculous or over-the-top manner.
- Ace: “Shikaka!” – Ace yells the name of the sacred white bat, which causes the tribesmen to bow.
- Ace: “Bumblebee tuna.” – Ace uses it when he is trying to trick someone.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $30,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $108,385,533
- Worldwide Gross: $212,385,533
💥 Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so ‘Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls’ is ridiculous, but I can’t help but love it. Jim Carrey is at his most manic, and some of the gags are so over-the-top they’re hilarious. I remember seeing it as a kid and being in stitches during the rhino scene and the ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ drive. Sure, it’s not high art, but it’s pure, silly fun. I find it a nostalgic rewatch, because it brings me back. Definetly on my comfort movie list!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Jim Carrey’s physical comedy”
- “Viewers who enjoy slapstick humor”
- “Those looking for a lighthearted and silly movie”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Crude humor”
- “Suggestive content”
- “Cultural stereotypes (may be offensive to some viewers)”
Professional Reviews
- IGN: “While ‘When Nature Calls’ has moments of brilliance thanks to Carrey’s physical comedy, it relies too heavily on recycled gags and juvenile humor, making it a somewhat disappointing follow-up to the original.
- Rolling Stone: “Jim Carrey’s over-the-top performance can be exhausting. The movie tries too hard to be shocking, relying on gross-out gags rather than genuine wit, ultimately falling flat despite Carrey’s best efforts.
- Empire Magazine: “It’s undeniable that Jim Carrey’s performance is the driving force, delivering moments of pure comedic gold. However, the film as a whole is uneven, with some jokes landing perfectly while others miss the mark entirely.
Audience Reactions
Jim Carrey’s physical comedy is amazing, and he carries the entire movie: Viewers appreciated the over-the-top humor and Carrey’s energetic performance.
The Rhino birth scene is disgusting but undeniably funny.: For many fans, the movie is rewatchable and has several memorable moments.
Overall Consensus: While some find the humor juvenile and repetitive, many viewers enjoy the film for Jim Carrey’s performance and its over-the-top silliness.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Jim Carrey ad-libbed many of his lines, and the filmmakers often kept the funniest takes, even if they weren’t in the original script.”
- “The movie was filmed in various locations in and around Charleston, South Carolina, San Antonio, Texas and British Columbia, Canada.”
- “The opening scene is a parody of the film Cliffhanger (1993), where Ace Ventura fails to save a raccoon.”
🖥️ How to Watch Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls?
Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, where it’s often available for rent or purchase. Apple TV also offers the movie for digital purchase. Check local streaming services for availability as it may vary depending on your region. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) are also available for purchase from major retailers such as Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, you might like these similar films:
- Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994): The original movie that introduced the character and established his comedic style.
- The Mask (1994): Another Jim Carrey comedy from the same era, featuring his signature over-the-top physical humor and manic energy.
- Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997): Features a similarly outlandish comedic style with a focus on physical humor and absurd situations.
- Tropic Thunder (2008): A comedy with elements of adventure and satire of other cultures.
🛒 Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls Related Products
- Ace Ventura: Pet Detective / Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls – Double Feature [Blu-ray]: This Blu-ray double feature brings both classic Ace Ventura movies together. Enjoy the iconic humor in high definition.
- Ace Ventura: Pet Detective – Movie Poster: High quality poster from the original Ace Ventura movie.
- Ace Ventura 2: When Nature Calls – Funko Pop! Movies – Ace Ventura: Limited Edition Funko Pop! figure featuring Ace Ventura in his iconic outfit from When Nature Calls.
- Bumblebee Tuna – Ace Ventura – Sticker: High quality sticker.
🎧 Soundtrack
Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Blur the Technicolor” – performed by White Zombie
- “A Lion Sleeps Tonight” – performed by The Tokens
- “Secret Agent Man” – performed by Johnny Rivers
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The movie was filmed in various locations, including Charleston, South Carolina, San Antonio, Texas, and British Columbia, Canada. Despite being set in Africa, no filming took place on the continent.
Shikaka is a sacred white bat that is supposed to be a wedding gift between two warring African tribes. Its disappearance is the central plot device of the film.
While rated PG, the film contains some crude humor, suggestive content, and mild language that may not be suitable for all children. Parental guidance is recommended.
🔥 Bonus Content
Jim Carrey – Bloopers
Prepare to laugh out loud as you watch Jim Carrey’s hilarious bloopers and outtakes from his iconic movies. These behind-the-scenes moments reveal the fun and chaos that went on during filming.
Did you know for ACE VENTURA…
Unlock the secrets of ‘Ace Ventura’ in this eye-opening video. Discover surprising facts about the movie’s production, cast, and hidden references that you never knew existed.
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