Ace Ventura 3: Lost in Time (2025)
Director: Peter Farrelly
Screenplay: Peter Farrelly, John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein
Starring: Jim Carrey, Tiffany Haddish, Ken Jeong, John Cena (supporting roles)
Genre: Action, Comedy, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Runtime: 115 minutes
Release Date: July 18, 2025
Rating: PG-13
Introduction
After nearly three decades since the last Ace Ventura installment, the wildly eccentric pet detective returns in Ace Ventura 3: Lost in Time. Jim Carrey reprises his iconic role, this time embarking on an unpredictable adventure through various eras of history and the future. Directed by Peter Farrelly, known for his sharp comedic style (Green Book, Dumb and Dumber), the film combines the beloved slapstick humor of the original series with cutting-edge visual effects and a fresh sci-fi twist.
Plot Summary
In Lost in Time, Ace Ventura accidentally activates a mysterious time-travel device that flings him across prehistoric landscapes filled with dinosaurs, bustling futuristic cities with hovercars, and the unpredictable moments in between. Alongside his trusty parrot, Ace must track down strange creatures that have escaped their own timelines and are threatening to disrupt reality itself. Racing against time, he confronts bizarre challenges, uncovers hilarious mysteries, and fights to restore order before the timeline unravels completely.
Performances
Jim Carrey delivers a performance full of his classic manic energy and physical comedy, proving that Ace Ventura remains as unpredictable and hilarious as ever. Tiffany Haddish joins the cast as a sharp-witted time travel expert who aids Ace on his mission, bringing fresh comedic chemistry and modern humor to the film. Ken Jeong and John Cena provide entertaining supporting roles, adding layers of humor and action that complement Carrey’s antics.
The chemistry among the leads feels vibrant, and the interactions between Ace and his parrot provide heartfelt moments amid the chaos.
Direction and Screenplay
Peter Farrelly’s direction brings a playful yet polished tone to the movie, balancing over-the-top comedy with action sequences and sci-fi spectacle. The screenplay, co-written by Farrelly along with John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, infuses the narrative with sharp humor, clever dialogue, and a pacing that keeps audiences engaged throughout the 115-minute runtime.
The film smartly mixes slapstick with witty references and contemporary comedic beats, modernizing the Ace Ventura franchise for both longtime fans and newcomers.
Visual Effects and Cinematography
The film’s visual effects are ambitious and entertaining, showcasing realistic dinosaurs and imaginative futuristic cityscapes with impressive detail. Vibrant colors distinguish each era, from the lush greens of the prehistoric jungle to the sleek metallics of the future. The cinematography captures both intimate comedic moments and large-scale action sequences with fluidity, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Special effects contribute significantly to the humor and excitement, making the time-travel concept visually compelling and fun.
Themes and Analysis
While primarily a comedy-adventure, Ace Ventura 3 explores themes of chaos versus order, the importance of adaptability, and the unpredictable nature of life (and time). Ace’s irreverent attitude symbolizes resilience and the power of optimism, no matter the era or circumstance.
The film lightly touches on the consequences of disrupting timelines, yet maintains a comedic tone, making complex sci-fi ideas accessible and entertaining.
Strengths
- Jim Carrey’s Iconic Performance: He embodies Ace Ventura with his signature energy and charm.
- Engaging Time-Travel Premise: Fresh twist that revitalizes the franchise.
- Strong Supporting Cast: Tiffany Haddish, Ken Jeong, and John Cena add depth and humor.
- Visual Effects: High-quality CGI and creative set designs bring eras to life.
- Balanced Humor and Action: Appeals to fans of comedy and adventure alike.
Weaknesses
- Some Predictable Plot Points: Time travel tropes occasionally feel familiar.
- Heavy Reliance on Slapstick: May not appeal to all audiences.
- Supporting Characters Could Be More Developed: Screen time mostly focuses on Ace.
Conclusion
Ace Ventura 3: Lost in Time successfully reboots the beloved franchise with a fresh, entertaining story that spans the ages. Jim Carrey’s return as Ace Ventura is both nostalgic and invigorating, supported by a talented cast and high production values. The film offers an enjoyable mix of laughs, thrills, and heartwarming moments, making it a fun experience for fans old and new.
This sequel proves that no matter how much time passes, Ace Ventura’s quirky charm and unpredictable antics remain timeless.