Year: 1994
Runtime: 101 min
Language: Chinese
Director: Chuck Russell
Budget: $23M
A small-time crook discovers a mysterious mask that transforms him into a powerful and unpredictable being. Thrust into a world of high-stakes crime fighting, he must balance his newfound abilities with a blossoming romance and a responsibility to protect the city from danger. The mask unlocks incredible power, but also unleashes a chaotic and comedic adventure as he navigates his dual existence and confronts formidable foes.
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Read the complete plot breakdown of The Mask (1994), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Stanley Ipkiss, portrayed by Jim Carrey, is a timid bank clerk living in Edge City, often the target of ridicule from his boss, landlady, and even car mechanics. His only solace comes from his loyal Fox Terrier, Milo, and his supportive coworker Charlie. Meanwhile, the shady gangster Dorian Tyrell, who operates the glamorous Coco Bongo nightclub, concocts a plan to seize power from his boss, Niko, by leveraging his sultry singer girlfriend, Tina Carlyle, played by Cameron Diaz.
In a twist of fate, Tyrell sends Tina into Stanley’s bank with a hidden surveillance camera as part of his heist scheme. Enamored with Tina, Stanley believes there might be a spark between them. However, a night of misadventures leads him to a dilapidated harbor where he stumbles upon a mysterious wooden mask. Mistaken initially for someone in distress, Stanley takes the mask home and playfully dons it. To his astonishment, the mask transforms him into “The Mask”: a zany, green-headed figure bursting with whimsical abilities that defy reality, along with a penchant for mischief.
With a newfound confidence, Stanley uses his masked persona to retaliate against his tormentors and frighten a gang of would-be muggers. The following day, he finds himself in a complex web involving the local detective, Lieutenant Kellaway, and reporter Peggy Brandt, who are both hot on the trail of The Mask. Despite the chaos that ensues, Stanley’s fascination with the mask proves too irresistible to resist, leading him to again embrace its unpredictable powers.
With dreams of impressing Tina and securing money for her performance, The Mask crashes Tyrell’s bank heist, albeit with humorous flair. He dances flamboyantly with Tina at the Coco Bongo, leaving the audience in awe, but his antics attract the ire of Tyrell. After a series of exhilarating events and confrontations, including The Mask’s daring reactions to police captures and a harrowing betrayal from Peggy, the stakes heighten as Tyrell, now wielding the mask’s powers himself, poses a grave threat.
In a climactic showdown at a charity event, chaos unfurls as Tyrell targets both Tina and the club. With the help of Milo, who becomes a cartoonish champion, Stanley battles against Tyrell to reclaim the mask. As the police close in, the confrontation resolves with Stanley finally using the mask’s powers for good, saving Tina and vanquishing Tyrell.
As dawn breaks, Stanley, Tina, Milo, and Charlie share a pivotal moment by the harbor, where they return the mask to the depths from which it came, solidifying their bond with a kiss. With moments of laughter and adventure behind them, a sense of peace settles in, though Milo mischievously swims off with the mask, hinting at the potential for future escapades.
Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 17:10
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories where a magical object unlocks a chaotic and powerful new personality.If you liked the chaotic, cartoonish fun of The Mask's transformative power, you'll enjoy these movies. This section features films where characters discover magical artifacts or abilities that grant them confident, unpredictable alter egos, leading to explosive comedy and action-packed adventures.
These narratives follow a straightforward arc: an unassuming protagonist discovers a source of power, leading to a transformation into a more confident and chaotic version of themselves. They must then learn to control or wield this power against a threat, resulting in a series of humorous and high-energy situations before achieving a happy resolution.
They are grouped by the central theme of magical transformation leading to personal empowerment and chaotic comedy. The shared tone is whimsical and playful, with fast pacing and a focus on the visual spectacle and humor of the unleashed alter ego, rather than heavy emotional stakes.
Fast-paced comedies where the action bends reality with slapstick and exaggeration.Looking for more movies with the explosive, cartoonish energy of The Mask? This list features action comedies known for their fast pace, playful tone, and exaggerated, physics-defying humor that creates a uniquely whimsical and entertaining viewing experience.
The plots are typically straightforward, serving as a vehicle for a rapid-fire sequence of gags and action set pieces. Character development is light, with the primary focus on the spectacle of comedic chaos. The conflict is often clear-cut, leading to an upbeat conclusion that reinforces the lighthearted tone.
These films share a core aesthetic of cartoonish physics and a high-energy blend of action and comedy. The similarity lies in their whimsical tone, fast pacing, and emphasis on visual gags and exuberant characters, creating a consistently fun and uplifting vibe.
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Mask in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Mask is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of The Mask with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Mask. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Mask that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Mask: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like The Mask that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
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