The Rewatchables

‘Ace Ventura: Pet Detective’ With Bill Simmons, Zach Lowe, and Craig Horlbeck

February 10, 2026

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  • Jim Carrey's performance in ‘Ace Ventura: Pet Detective’ is viewed as a unique, almost cartoonish commitment to a bit that is unlikely to be replicated in modern comedy due to current critical standards. 
  • The year 1994 is highlighted as an unparalleled peak in cinematic history, featuring the simultaneous breakout success of Jim Carrey in ‘Ace Ventura: Pet Detective’ alongside major hits like ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘Forrest Gump’. 
  • Courtney Cox's role in ‘Ace Ventura: Pet Detective’ is considered pivotal, as her visibility in the film and a subsequent key appearance on ‘Seinfeld’ paved the way for the creation of the massively successful sitcom ‘Friends’. 
  • The discussion highlighted that Jim Carrey's performance in *Ace Ventura: Pet Detective* was a singular, irreplaceable comedic achievement that paved the way for other SNL/In Living Color alumni to get major film roles. 
  • The prevalence of 1994 cultural references, such as Isotoner gloves and Dan Marino's Dolphins, firmly dates the film, while the plot's reliance on outdated tropes, like the 'Crying Game' reveal, has aged poorly. 
  • The chemistry between Jim Carrey's Ace Ventura and Courtney Cox's Melissa Robinson was noted as weak, with the character of Melissa being intentionally bland to serve as a straight foil to Ace's insanity. 
  • The hypothetical kidnapping of Dan Marino right before the Super Bowl is considered by the hosts to be potentially the biggest sports story of all time, leading to the game's postponement. 
  • The discussion on 'unanswerables' included speculation on whether Einhorn learned the 'tuck' from Buffalo Bill in *The Silence of the Lambs* and which piece of movie memorabilia (like Ray Finkel's ring or the 'Laces Out' notebook) would be most desirable. 
  • The 'Laces Out' concept, referencing the Scott Norwood Super Bowl miss, was largely unknown to the hosts prior to *Ace Ventura: Pet Detective*, though they noted experts confirm the importance of lace orientation for field goals. 
  • The hosts identified Jim Carrey as the winner of the episode's final vote and suggested *There's Something About Mary* and *Dumb and Dumber* as strong double-feature pairings for *Ace Ventura: Pet Detective*. 
  • The hosts celebrated the recent availability of *Eddie and the Cruisers* for purchase/rental, noting it as a rare instance where listener feedback led to a previously unavailable movie becoming accessible for a future episode. 

Segments

Introducing Zach Lowe’s First Appearance
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(00:00:20)
  • Key Takeaway: This is Zach Lowe’s debut episode on The Rewatchables.
  • Summary: The hosts introduce Zach Lowe, noting this is his first appearance on The Rewatchables, and mention his existing work on the Ringer network.
Ace Ventura’s Formative Comedic Impact
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(00:01:20)
  • Key Takeaway: The film was formative for Lowe’s comedic sensibilities despite having problematic elements.
  • Summary: Lowe explains why Ace Ventura was high on his list, calling it formative to his humor, while acknowledging its dated content. They praise Jim Carrey’s commitment to the bit.
Jim Carrey’s Pre-Ace Career
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(00:03:36)
  • Key Takeaway: Carrey toiled for years, including being rejected by SNL twice, before his massive 1994 breakout.
  • Summary: The hosts discuss Carrey’s early career, including his time on In Living Color and his rejections from SNL, noting that Ace Ventura felt like his culmination of years of work.
The Unprecedented Year of 1994
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(00:06:26)
  • Key Takeaway: Jim Carrey released three massive comedy hits (Ace Ventura, The Mask, Dumb and Dumber) in the same calendar year.
  • Summary: The discussion details how Carrey dominated 1994, releasing three top-ten grossing films in a span of ten months, cementing him as a major star.
The Risk and Low Pay for Ace Ventura
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(00:07:37)
  • Key Takeaway: Carrey was paid very little for Ace Ventura because the movie was considered a huge, potentially career-ruining risk.
  • Summary: The hosts reveal Carrey earned only $350k for the film, contrasting it with his later $20 million paydays, because the premise was so absurd and risky.
The Death of Absurd Theatrical Comedy
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(00:11:58)
  • Key Takeaway: The era of studios greenlighting absurd, character-driven comedies based solely on a star’s persona seems to be over.
  • Summary: The panel discusses how modern comedies are often grounded in reality or relegated to streaming, unlike the high-concept absurdity of Ace Ventura.
Courtney Cox’s Pivotal Role
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(00:25:40)
  • Key Takeaway: Cox’s performance in Ace Ventura was crucial, leading directly to her casting in Friends.
  • Summary: The hosts analyze Courtney Cox’s look in the film, noting she was falling for Carrey on set, and trace how her visibility in this movie helped pave the way for Friends.
Movie Runtime and Plot Twists
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(00:33:09)
  • Key Takeaway: The film is praised for being tightly paced at 86 minutes and having an unusually complex plot for a comedy.
  • Summary: Craig Horlbeck approves of the short runtime. They discuss the surprising plot twists, particularly the Ray Finkel reveal, which is rare for comedies.
Most Rewatchable Scene: The Dolphin Tank
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(00:40:04)
  • Key Takeaway: The line, ‘If I’m not back in five minutes, just wait longer,’ is considered one of the best-written jokes in history.
  • Summary: Lowe champions the dolphin tank scene, specifically the Star Trek impressions and the perfectly constructed joke delivered to Courtney Cox.
1994’s Most Defining Elements
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(00:49:22)
  • Key Takeaway: The Dolphins having a chance to win the Super Bowl and Dan Marino endorsing Isotoner gloves define the film’s 1994 setting.
  • Summary: The panel lists the most time-specific cultural markers in the movie, including specific athlete endorsements and the state of the Miami Dolphins.
Chris Farley’s Athleticism
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(00:49:05)
  • Key Takeaway: Chris Farley was an excellent athlete, which aided his physical comedy.
  • Summary: The hosts discuss Chris Farley’s athleticism and how it contributed to his physical comedy skills.
Most Rewatchable Scene
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(00:49:12)
  • Key Takeaway: The police station scene where Ace is heckled is highly rewatchable.
  • Summary: A host names their most rewatchable scene: Ace at the police station while being heckled.
Most 1994 Things
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(00:49:22)
  • Key Takeaway: Isotoner gloves, Dan Marino’s Dolphins, and Cannibal Corpse references anchor the film in 1994.
  • Summary: The panel lists things that feel most characteristic of 1994, including Isotoner gloves, Dan Marino being the Dolphins QB, and the band Cannibal Corpse.
Captain Stubing Reference Aging
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(00:49:46)
  • Key Takeaway: The Captain Stubing reference is now likely sailing over younger viewers’ heads.
  • Summary: The hosts discuss how the reference to Captain Stubing is now an ironic comedy reference that many won’t understand.
Dolphins Super Bowl Hopes
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(00:49:52)
  • Key Takeaway: The Dolphins having a chance to win the Super Bowl felt very 1994.
  • Summary: The panel agrees that the Dolphins having Super Bowl hopes was a very 1994 element of the movie.
Isotoner Gloves and OJ
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(00:50:05)
  • Key Takeaway: The discussion pivots to whether Isotoner gloves still exist, leading to a tangent about the OJ Simpson trial.
  • Summary: The hosts question if Isotoner gloves still exist, leading to a debate about whether OJ Simpson wore them, which is later confirmed via Google Gemini.
What Aged the Best
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(00:51:15)
  • Key Takeaway: Courtney Cox and the studio trusting Jim Carrey’s comedic vision aged well.
  • Summary: The panel discusses what aged best, with Courtney Cox and the studio giving Jim Carrey a movie after In Living Color being key points.
Jim Carrey’s Performance
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(00:51:52)
  • Key Takeaway: Carrey’s performance is the perfect distillation of his crazy comic superstar energy.
  • Summary: A host states that this movie remains their favorite Jim Carrey film and that his performance is the perfect distillation of his comic style.
Laces Out Joke Longevity
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(00:52:20)
  • Key Takeaway: The ‘Laces Out’ joke has aged well and remains a great football reference.
  • Summary: The ‘Laces Out’ joke is highlighted as aging well, especially when football laces are mentioned.
Bad Driver Trope
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(00:52:32)
  • Key Takeaway: Comedies featuring a detective who is a horrible driver (like parallel parking into a garage) always work.
  • Summary: The hosts note the reliable comedy trope of the lead detective being a terrible driver, citing the parallel parking scene.
1980s/90s Miami Setting
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(00:52:50)
  • Key Takeaway: The depiction of Miami before it became overly glitzy is a nostalgic element.
  • Summary: The setting in 1980s/90s Miami, specifically South Beach before it became as glitzy as it is now, is noted.
Best Character Names
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(00:53:07)
  • Key Takeaway: Roger Podactor and Ray Finkel are excellent, fun-to-say character names.
  • Summary: The panel awards the ‘Chess Rockwell and Brock Landers Award’ for best character names, citing Tom Ace, Roger Podactor, and Ray Finkel.
Villain Ranking: Sean Young
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(00:53:43)
  • Key Takeaway: Sean Young’s villain performance is rated around a 4/10 on the Hans Gruber scale, though her craziness level is higher.
  • Summary: The hosts rank Sean Young’s villain performance using the Hans Gruber scale, settling around 3.5 to 4 out of 10.
Worst Chemistry Award
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(00:54:11)
  • Key Takeaway: Zach Lowe introduces his ‘Seth Rogan, Catherine Heigl Award’ for worst chemistry, targeting Melissa Robinson (Courtney Cox).
  • Summary: Zach introduces a new category for worst chemistry, nominating Courtney Cox’s character for being bland and lacking banter with Ace.
Defending Courtney Cox’s Role
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(00:54:51)
  • Key Takeaway: The blandness of Cox’s character might be intentional, serving as a straight man to Ace’s insanity.
  • Summary: A host defends Courtney Cox, suggesting her character’s straight-man role is intentional, contrasting with Ace’s insanity.
Credibility Strain of Ace’s Interaction
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(00:56:12)
  • Key Takeaway: Ace’s inability to have a normal conversation with Melissa early on strains credulity.
  • Summary: The panel discusses how Ace’s initial inability to interact normally with Melissa strains credulity, noting the only time he speaks normally is when delivering bad news.
Weak Link: The Plot Resolution
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(00:59:39)
  • Key Takeaway: The intricate plot resolution, especially the reveal, is considered a weak link that looks like a TV movie ending.
  • Summary: The resolution of the movie’s intricate plot, including the reveal, is cited as the weakest link, looking cheap compared to the rest of the film.
Porn Parody Mention
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(01:00:20)
  • Key Takeaway: The movie spawned a 1995 porn parody called As Ventura Crack Detective.
  • Summary: The hosts discuss the existence of a 1995 porn parody titled As Ventura Crack Detective.
What Aged the Worst: Trans Issues
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(01:02:30)
  • Key Takeaway: The trans-related humor, referencing The Crying Game, has aged poorly and is tough to defend.
  • Summary: The panel agrees the trans jokes, which parody The Crying Game, have aged poorly and are difficult to defend today.
Aging Jokes Flat Out Not Funny
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(01:04:34)
  • Key Takeaway: Some of the big, scripted jokes, like ‘assholes in the mirror,’ fall flat.
  • Summary: A host argues that some of the major jokes, like the ‘assholes in the mirror’ line, are simply not funny anymore.
Worst Thing: Ending Credits Song
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(01:05:55)
  • Key Takeaway: The Tone Loke ending credits song, featuring Carrey’s intro, is cited as aging poorly.
  • Summary: The ending credits song by Tone Loke, preceded by a Jim Carrey intro, is called out as one of the worst elements.
Live Animal Mascots Aging Out
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(01:06:15)
  • Key Takeaway: The use of live animal mascots, like Snowflake the dolphin, is no longer common practice.
  • Summary: The panel discusses how professional sports teams having live animal mascots is largely a thing of the past, referencing Snowflake.
Worst Mascot: Brooklyn Knight
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(01:07:28)
  • Key Takeaway: The Brooklyn Knight mascot was a bizarre, short-lived failure.
  • Summary: The Brooklyn Knight is named the worst mascot of the last 20 years due to its overly complex, poorly conceived nature.
Dorfler’s Door Award: Physical Pain
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(01:08:17)
  • Key Takeaway: Ace hitting his head into the leather bench during the asylum visit looks genuinely painful.
  • Summary: The hosts discuss which physical stunts hurt the most, focusing on Ace smacking his head into the bench at full velocity.
Overacting: Sean Young’s Breakdown
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(01:09:34)
  • Key Takeaway: Sean Young’s final scene breakdown, involving twitching and shaking, is bizarrely overacted.
  • Summary: Sean Young’s final warehouse scene, where she convulses during her psychotic breakdown, is highlighted for its strange overacting.
Hottest Take: Carrey Oscar Nod
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(01:10:50)
  • Key Takeaway: Jim Carrey deserved an Oscar nomination for this irreplaceable, singular performance.
  • Summary: Zach’s hottest take is that Jim Carrey should have received an Oscar nomination for his performance in Ace Ventura.
Hottest Take: Marino Cameo Ranking
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(01:12:57)
  • Key Takeaway: Dan Marino’s cameo is the fourth-best athlete playing himself cameo of all time.
  • Summary: A host ranks Dan Marino’s cameo as the fourth best athlete cameo, behind Kareem, Reggie Jackson, and Mike Tyson.
Casting What-Ifs: Rick Moranis
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(01:16:09)
  • Key Takeaway: Rick Moranis was approached to play Ace Ventura but declined.
  • Summary: The panel reviews casting what-ifs, noting Rick Moranis, Whoopi Goldberg, and Lauren Holly all turned down roles.
Landlord Actor’s Other Roles
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(01:17:29)
  • Key Takeaway: Ace’s landlord is also Hector Salamanca from Breaking Bad and the hitman from Scarface.
  • Summary: The actor playing Ace’s landlord is identified as having roles in Breaking Bad and Scarface.
Worst Hang: Ace Ventura
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(01:31:10)
  • Key Takeaway: Ace Ventura would be the worst hang because he’d eventually threaten you.
  • Summary: Ace Ventura is chosen as the worst hang because after a short time, he would likely become aggressive.
Picky Nit: Unanswered Plot Questions
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(01:32:07)
  • Key Takeaway: The movie leaves too many logistical questions unanswered, like who cares for the pets or who won the Super Bowl.
  • Summary: The panel lists unanswered plot questions, including who won the Super Bowl and who cared for Ace’s many pets.
Weak Link: Einhorn’s Plan
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(01:34:01)
  • Key Takeaway: Lois Einhorn’s elaborate plan to become a police lieutenant just to kidnap Marino is nonsensical.
  • Summary: The hosts question Einhorn’s convoluted plan to rise through the police ranks solely to kidnap Dan Marino.
Sequel Quality
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(01:36:12)
  • Key Takeaway: The sequel was surprisingly offensive, ratcheting up the shock value from the first film.
  • Summary: The panel briefly discusses the sequel, noting it was a troubled production but managed to be even more offensive than the original.
Recasting Couch: Cruise vs. Hanks
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(01:27:01)
  • Key Takeaway: The panel splits on whether Tom Cruise or Tom Hanks could have played Ace, with Cruise favored for his capacity for smugness/darkness.
  • Summary: The discussion on who could have played Ace splits, with one host arguing Cruise has the necessary darkness/smugness that Hanks lacks.
Apex Mountain: Jim Carrey’s 1994
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(01:26:14)
  • Key Takeaway: 1994 was the apex mountain for Jim Carrey as a comedy actor, despite The Mask being arguably the best earner.
  • Summary: The panel agrees that 1994, with Ace Ventura and Dumb and Dumber, was the peak year for Jim Carrey’s comedy output.
Thibodeau Impersonation and Ace
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(01:36:53)
  • Key Takeaway: A brief, humorous exchange involving an impersonation and the movie’s title.
  • Summary: The hosts discuss whether the movie is better with Tom Thibodeau, leading to an exchange of ‘Ice!’ and ‘Ace!’.
Einhorn’s Eagles Bet Question
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(01:37:29)
  • Key Takeaway: The possibility of Einhorn betting on the Eagles before the kidnapping plot is raised.
  • Summary: Craig Horlbeck asks if Einhorn and the henchmen placed a bet on the Eagles, leading to a discussion about the financial motivation behind the kidnapping.
Marino Kidnapping Super Bowl Impact
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(01:37:53)
  • Key Takeaway: Kidnapping Dan Marino before the Super Bowl would be the biggest sports story ever, likely causing postponement.
  • Summary: The hosts analyze the real-world implications if Dan Marino had been kidnapped right before the Super Bowl, concluding the game would be postponed.
Einhorn’s Tuck Homage
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(01:39:35)
  • Key Takeaway: The tuck maneuver used by Einhorn might be an homage to Buffalo Bill in Silence of the Lambs.
  • Summary: A question is posed about whether Einhorn learned the tuck from Buffalo Bill, noting the strategic nature of the move.
Desired Movie Memorabilia
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(01:40:13)
  • Key Takeaway: The Finkel ring and the ‘Laces Out’ notebook are highly desired pieces of memorabilia.
  • Summary: The hosts list the movie items they would want, including Ray Finkel’s ring, the ‘Laces Out’ notebook, and the Ray Finkel/Stinkle sign.
Laces Out Origin Debate
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(01:42:13)
  • Key Takeaway: The movie likely popularized the concept that kick accuracy is affected by football lace orientation.
  • Summary: The hosts discuss whether the ‘Laces Out’ concept was known before Ace Ventura, with some noting that laces being the softest part of the ball can cause wobbling.
Podcast Wrap-Up and Future
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(01:43:34)
  • Key Takeaway: Zach Lowe finishes his first Rewatchables appearance, and the hosts mention Eddie and the Cruisers is now available.
  • Summary: The hosts thank Zach Lowe and Craig Horlbeck, mention upcoming Netflix picks, and celebrate that Eddie and the Cruisers is finally streamable.