Summary
-
Ace Ventura
quotes showcase Jim Carrey’s unique physicality and comedic talent, making the character and movies highly entertaining and rewatchable. - Courteney Cox’s role as Ace’s love interest in
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
adds a great dynamic to the film, allowing Ace’s immaturity to shine. - The
Ace Ventura
movies are a mix of silly humor and detective parody, with memorable quotes that highlight Carrey’s comedic genius and ability to improvise.
Ace Ventura quotes prove the hilarious Pet Detective was a character only Jim Carrey could play. Carrey was still transitioning from a stand-up comedian to a movie star when he debuted as Ace Ventura, the role that would define his early success. 1994’s Ace Venture: Pet Detective is a wild comedy starring Carrey as an eccentric sleuth who specializes in animal cases. The success of the movie led to Carrey’s first-ever sequel, 1995’s Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls. The role proved to be the perfect vehicle for Carrey to show off his unique physicality along with endlessly quotable dialogue.
There are still calls for Ace Ventura 3, but with Carrey reportedly retiring from acting, it seems as though audiences will have to be content with the two Carrey-led Ace Venture movies and the dozens of quotable moments throughout bother. Luckily, the Ace Ventura movies are very rewatchable comedies that feature endlessly quotable lines as Carrey showcases his fast wit, manic delivery, and total unpredictability as a performer — and the best Ace Ventura quotes are delivered by Carrey at his comedic peak, making them even more memorable.
Related 20 Crazy Details Behind The Making Of The Ace Ventura Movies
It’s a series that got pretty zany on the big screen, but nobody would have expected things to get even crazier behind the scenes of Ace Ventura.
25 “No, The Guy With The Rubber Glove Was Surprisingly Gentle.”
Ace Ventura In Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
There are almost too many great quotes in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective to list them all. Thanks to the astounding performance of Jim Carrey, and the sharp screenplay he co-wrote alongside Jack Bernstein and director Tom Shadyac, almost every line that comes out of the titular Pet Detective’s mouth is a quotable one. This becomes apparent incredibly early on in the first Ace Ventura movie, with one of the most hilarious lines from Ace coming when he first meets Melissa (Courteney Cox).
One of the key reasons (of many key reasons) that Ace Ventura is one of the funniest Jim Carrey characters is his penchant for borderline-sexual non sequiturs. When Melissa asks Ace if he had any problems getting into the building, Ace responds with “No, the guy with the rubber glove was surprisingly gentle.” It make absolutely no sense whatsoever, but this makes it a laugh-out-loud moment that fully sets up the audience for the zany antics to come.
24 “You Don’t Have To Tell Me. I Was There.”
Ace Ventura In Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
The banter between Ace and Melissa is the source of many of the best Ace Ventura quotes in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, and one moment that captures one of the best aspects of the characters comes after the pair search Ronald Camp’s apartment. Pleasantly surprised by Ventura’s detective skills, Melissa decides to compliment Ace, letting him know she was impressed by his approach to gaining the information they needed despite the fact his methods were beyond unorthodox.
Rather than take the compliment humbly, Ace instead simply responds with “you don’t have to tell me. I was there.” It’s the kind of arrogance that may be seen as abrasive in any other movie character, but from Ace Ventura it is surprisingly endearing. Throughout the movie, Ace is something of an underdog, with everyone assuming he’s simply a bad detective. This quote, and other moments like it, make it easier to root for Ace Ventura, since he’s under no illusions over the fact that he’s the best man for the job when it comes to solving cases involving animals.
23 “Do You Have A Dorsal Fin? To Train Ze Dolphin You Must Zink Like Ze Dolphin!”
Ace Ventura In Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
Jim Carrey is inarguably a master of comedy for many reasons. Not only does he have an impeccable sense of physicality, both with his body language and facial expressions, but he’s also incredibly good at accents and comedic voices. This is prevalent throughout both Ace Ventura movies, as the character doesn’t speak with Carrey’s natural voice at any point. However, this particular talent of the star fully comes to the fore during Ace Ventura: Pet Detective when — for no discernible reason at all — Ace decides to pretend to be a German dolphin trainer named Heinz Getwellvet.
Do you have a dorsal fin? To train ze dolphin you must zink like ze dolphin! You must be getting inside ze dolphin’s head. I am saying to Snowflake, “Akay!… Akay Akay Akay?” und he is saying “AKay Akay!” und he is up on ze tail “Eeeeeeeeee!” und you can quote him!
It’s easily one of the funniest interactions in both Ace Ventura movies. From the moment Ace suddenly starts talking with an (incredibly bad) German accent and yells “How can I be getting zis vork done wit all de shouting? Control de shouting?”, most viewers are close to tears from laughing so hard. It’s a prime Ace Ventura quote when it comes to those which demonstrate why nobody but Jim Carrey could have pulled off the role.
22 “I’m Sure You Already Knew That. That’s What Turns Me On About ‘Cha, Your Attention To Detail.”
Ace Ventura In Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
Ace Ventura may not seem like the most likely detective, but it becomes apparent by the time Ace Ventura: Pet Detective concludes that he’s incredibly good at his job. Specifically, beneath his zany antics and refusal to appear to take anything remotely seriously, he’s an expert when it comes to wildlife. This becomes clear in the first movie when the chief of police, Lois Einhorn, mistakenly refers to the missing dolphin as a porpoise. Ace’s response, as well as being an incredibly scathing put-down, shows just how intelligent the Pet Detective truly is:
Whew… now I feel better. ‘Course, that might not do any good you see nobody’s missing a porpoise. It’s a dolphin that’s been taken. The common harbor porpoise has an abrupt snout, pointed teeth and a triangular thoracic fin. While the bottlenose dolphin, or Tursiops truncates, has an elongated beak, round cone shaped teeth and a serrated dorsal appendage. But I’m sure you already knew that. That’s what turns me on about ‘cha, your attention to detail.
It’s a memorable Ace Ventura quote for many reasons. Firstly, it’s one of the moments that gets the audience truly rooting for and respecting the character. Ace isn’t a bumbling buffoon in way over his head — he’s an eccentric expert who constantly subverts the expectations of those around him. However, it’s also incredibly funny, especially with Ace’s sign-off of “that’s what turns me on about ‘cha, your attention to detail.”
21 “I Have Exorcised The Demons… This House Is Clear.”
Ace Ventura In Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
Watching Ace Ventura in the 2020’s is an interesting experience. While there are many ways that the Ace Ventura franchise hasn’t aged well, it’s also undeniably dripping in 90s nostalgia. A key reason for this, beyond the wardrobe and soundtrack, of course, is the many pop culture references Ace makes throughout the movies. Jim Carrey taps into a multitude of popular movies and TV shows which, while they’re still known today, were regular talking points when both Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and its sequel were released.
One of the best of these pop culture nods came in Pet Detective when Ace, for seemingly no reason at all, decides to tap into Poltergeist and does an incredibly over-the-top impression of Tangina Barrons. After flailing around shortly after explaining various reasons why a murder couldn’t have taken place in an apartment, Ace starts acting like Zelda Rubinstein’s character from Poltergeist. He then stops abruptly and declares he has “exorcised the demons” to the two bemused police officers accompanying him.
20 “Yeah? And You’re Ugly.”
Ace Ventura In Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
Before Courteney Cox joined the cast of Friends or entered the Scream franchise, she showed up in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective as Melissa, Ace’s love interest and the one who has the misfortune of putting up with his shenanigans for much of the case he is on. Cox plays a great straight partner to Jim Carrey’s wacky antics, allowing Ace to be a truly immature hero. After one of his theories doesn’t pan out, she suggests he is mad and doesn’t know where to direct his anger, leading him to offer this incredibly childish retort.
One of the
Ace Ventura
phrases that stems from the Pet Detective’s razor-sharp playground wit.
This quote is one of the Ace Ventura phrases that stems from the Pet Detective’s razor-sharp playground wit. Carrey’s ability to deliver lines with a mix of absurdity and sincerity makes even the simplest retort a highlight of his character’s unpredictable personality. It’s in these interactions that we see the genius of Ace Ventura’s humor: it’s not just about the jokes themselves, but how they contribute to the larger-than-life persona of Ace.
19 “Do Not Go In There!”
Ace Ventura In Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
The Ace Ventura movies are never above immature “bathroom humor” but with Carrey’s delivery, it elevates such moments beyond simple crassness. When searching for a missing dolphin, Carrey sneaks into a fancy party and pretends to use the washroom, but instead investigates the hidden aquarium, leading to this hilarious Ace Ventura quote. Thinking he’ll find the dolphin, Ace is surprised to face a shark instead, who proceeds to viciously attack him. Emerging with tattered clothes and soaked from head to toe, Ace warns everyone to steer clear of that particular bathroom.
The way Ace deals with the moment by drawing more attention to himself says a lot about him. This scene exemplifies the brilliance of Jim Carrey’s physical comedy intertwined with his character’s brash humor, creating an unforgettable moment that fans love to quote. The humor isn’t just in the words but in the entire setup and Carrey’s exaggerated reactions, from sneaking into a place he clearly doesn’t belong to facing an unexpected predator. It’s a testament to Carrey’s comedic genius that he can turn what could have been a throwaway gag into a standout scene.
18 “Lovely Party. Pity I Wasn’t Invited.”
Ace Ventura In Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
Jim Carrey is a master impressionist, and the Ace Ventura role made full use of that, as he impersonates everybody from Captain Kirk to Tangina Barrons from Poltergeist. He also does a spot-on impression of Sean Connery, the first James Bond actor. This Ace Ventura quote is delivered by Carrey while doing his best Connery impression when he says, “Lovely party. Pity I wasn’t invited.” It’s an example of how perfect Ace Ventura was as a character to introduce the world to the endless comedic talents of Jim Carrey, proving he could find an audience outside the comedy clubs.
Carrey’s ability to seamlessly adopt the personas of iconic characters like Sean Connery’s James Bond adds layers to the comedy
The quote, infused with Carrey’s impeccable timing and sharp wit, not only serves as a humorous moment but also highlights Ace Ventura’s outsider status in the high-society settings he often finds himself in. Carrey’s ability to seamlessly adopt the personas of iconic characters like Sean Connery’s James Bond adds layers to the comedy, making the humor both a tribute and a parody.
17 “Hi, I’m Looking For Ray Finkle… And A Clean Pair Of Shorts.”
Ace Ventura In Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
Ace Ventura is often looked at as childish, and while it does rely heavily on crass humor and slapstick, it’s also an entertaining take on detective movies. Ace is a sleuth whose powers of deduction are matched by his abilities to rub people the wrong way. It is a lot of fun seeing him deal with the casual dangers of the detective world, including looking for a potential suspect. When Ace goes to one house and asks for Ray Finkle he gets a shotgun pointed in his face, leading to this hilarious Ace Ventura quote.
His request for a clean pair of shorts, delivered with a straight face amidst a tense situation, perfectly encapsulates the absurdity and unpredictability of his character. This quote showcases Ace Ventura’s unique blend of humor and courage in the face of danger, a characteristic that defines much of the movie’s appeal. Jim Carrey’s performance, particularly his ability to maintain composure and humor under threat, elevates the scene from a simple comedic gag to a memorable and iconic moment.
16 “Is It Number One or Number Two? I Just Want To Know How Much Time I Have.”
Ace Venture In Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
It’s hard to imagine other actors playing Ace Ventura; Jim Carrey’s unique brand of humor works so well for the character. It makes Ace into a hero worth cheering for, especially with his underdog qualities. Ace is not popular with the real police detectives, and they aren’t afraid to let him know it. However, he never backs down from them either, such as when one of them tells Ace he better be gone by the time they’re finished in the bathroom and Ace asks for a more specific timeframe.
Lois Einhorn: Ventura, when I get out of that bathroom, you better be gone.
Ace Ventura: Is it number one or number two? I just want to know how much time I have.
This particular quote brilliantly exemplifies Ace Ventura’s irreverent and cheeky humor, perfectly aligned with Jim Carrey’s comedic style. It underscores Ace’s fearless attitude towards authority figures and situations that would typically demand a more serious demeanor. The scene is a testament to Ace Ventura’s unyielding confidence and his ability to inject humor into even the most mundane or tense situations.
15 “Yes, Satan? Oh, I’m Sorry, Sir. You Sounded Like Someone Else.”
Ace Ventura In Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
The thing that makes Ace Ventura such a great comedy character is that he treats everything like a joke. It drives the people around him mad, but that makes him an entertaining protagonist. When Mr. Shickadance approaches Ace from behind and says, “Ventura,” without turning around, Ace responds, “Yes, Satan?” These simple digs make Ace superior to all those around him who look down on him. His ability to brush them off with a sly insult is admirable and has made for some of the funniest Ace Ventura quotes across both movies.
This iconic line perfectly encapsulates Ace Ventura’s irrepressible spirit and his knack for turning potentially intimidating encounters into moments of levity.
This iconic line perfectly encapsulates Ace Ventura’s irrepressible spirit and his knack for turning potentially intimidating encounters into moments of levity. Jim Carrey’s delivery of “Yes, Satan?” in response to his landlord not only showcases his character’s quick wit but also his refusal to be cowed by figures of authority or anyone he perceives as antagonistic. It’s a prime example of how Ace uses humor as both a shield and a sword, deflecting negativity while asserting his dominance in any given situation.
14 “That’s None Of Your Damn Business And I’ll Thank You To Stay Out Of My Personal Affairs.”
Ace Ventura In Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Marino did a fine job of delivering his lines and made for a great comic foil for Ace. By the end of the movie, the two develop a fun rapport, and in their final scene together, they have a wonderfully bizarre exchange. Marino asks Ace if he has any more gum, which Ace takes as a much more personal question than it seems. It is endearing that, even in the presence of a star athlete like Marino, Ace is willing to be as weird as he wants.
Dan Marino: Hey Ace?
Ace Ventura: Yeah, Dan?
Dan Marino: You got anymore of that gum?
Ace Ventura: That’s none of your damn business and I’ll thank you to stay out of my personal affairs.
The memorable quote illustrates Ace Ventura’s eccentricity and his tendency to escalate ordinary conversations into comedic spectacles. Carrey’s portrayal of Ace as someone who interprets a simple request for gum as an intrusion into his personal life is a testament to the character’s bizarre yet hilarious worldview. The exchange between Ace and Dan Marino highlights not only the comedic chemistry between the characters but also Ace’s unapologetic individuality. Even when interacting with a celebrated figure like Marino, Ace doesn’t alter his peculiar demeanor, emphasizing his authenticity and confidence in his own quirks.
13 “If I’m Not Back In Five Minutes, Just Wait Longer”
Ace Ventura In Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
This Ace Ventura quote is among the funniest, as it’s when Ace Ventura: Pet Detective fully leans into the fact it’s a detective movie parody. Ace delivers his own take on the cliché “If I’m not back in five minutes” line featured in many cop shows and sleuth movies when descending into the drained tank of a kidnapped dolphin to look for clues. Not a threatening situation for the Pet Detective by any stretch, which is what makes both the line and Carrey’s deadpan delivery to a visibly bemused Melissa Robinson all the more memorable.
The line showcases Ace Ventura’s distinctive charm and how the film capitalizes on absurdity to create comedy. Unlike traditional detectives who might face genuine peril, Ace’s adventures are quirky and relatively safe, yet he treats them with the same gravitas, which only adds to the humor. The juxtaposition of his casual demeanor with the expected seriousness of the situation reflects the movie’s overall comedic strategy: subverting expectations to elicit laughter.
Related Every Ace Ventura Movie Ranked
The Ace Ventura franchise consists of three uniquely different films, so which one is the best? Check out our ranking of the comedy trilogy.
12 “He’s The One You Want, Kill Him!”
Ace Ventura In Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
While critics might have hated the Ace Ventura movies, there is something very refreshing about a character who is so obnoxious yet can still manage to be an effective hero. However, unlike the heroes of action movies of the time, Ace’s bravery only goes so far. When held at gunpoint alongside Dan Marino, Ace turns into a sobbing mess, begging for his life and even insisting Marino is the one they should kill, resulting in a hilarious argument between Ace and Marino about who should be executed.
Ace Ventura: [begging] Don’t kill me. Please! I’ll never tell anyone, I swear. He’s the one you want, kill him!
Dan Marino: No, no kill him.
Ace Ventura: No kill him. He held the ball, remember? Come on, look at the guy.
[Lt. Einhorne shoots into the air]
Dan Marino: Cry-baby.
Ace Ventura: Jock.
Dan Marino: Whimp.
Ace Ventura: Muscle-head.
Lois Einhorn: SHUT UP.
This scene perfectly encapsulates the anti-heroic nature of Ace Ventura, setting him apart from the stoic, unflappable heroes typical of action films. Carrey’s portrayal of Ace hilariously oscillates between bravado and vulnerability, often at the most inopportune moments. The humor in Ace pleading for his life and attempting to divert the danger towards Dan Marino lies in stark contrast to traditional heroism. Instead of facing the threat with defiance, Ace’s immediate recourse to self-preservation, even at the expense of another, is both shocking and hilariously out of character for a protagonist.
11 “Lew-Who, Za-Her!”
Ace Ventura In Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
Jim Carrey often takes a word that audiences have heard a million times before and says it in a new and unique way for laughs, such as his use of the word “loser” in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. He announces, “That was a close one, ladies and gentlemen. Of course, in every contest, there must be a loser. Lew-Who, Za-Her!” It is the way Carrey can put his own spin on a fairly forgettable line and suddenly make it one of the most iconic quotes of his career.
Carrey not only highlights his character’s eccentricity but also his own skill in elevating script material through vocal inflection and timing.
By taking the common term “loser” and spinning it into a playful and memorable catchphrase, Carrey not only highlights his character’s eccentricity but also his own skill in elevating script material through vocal inflection and timing. Following the success of the movie, this Ace Ventura quote became something of a pop culture fad in the 1990s, showing how effectively it reached the mainstream.
10 “Guano. Sounds So Familiar.”
Ace Ventura In Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls
Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls is not a sequel that surpasses the original, but there are some standout comedic moments. Taking Ace out of America and transplanting him into the wildlife of Africa is also a fun way to challenge his true connection with the animals. As Ace licks what he thinks is “fruit paste” out the bottom of a piece of pottery in the jungle, Ouda tells him, “It’s made from guano.” Intrigued by this, Ace says, “Guano. Sounds so familiar.”
Fulton Greenwall then explains that guano is made from bat droppings. It is another simple gross-out gag that still gets a laugh from Carrey’s over-the-top reaction. The scene cleverly plays on the juxtaposition between Ace Ventura’s supposed expertise in all things animal and his blithe ignorance of guano, despite its significance in the animal kingdom. Carrey’s portrayal of Ace’s dawning realization and subsequent disgust is a testament to his ability to extract humor from even the most revolting of situations.
9 “Be Careful With That Phone, Lieutenant. In Time, You Could Develop A Tumor.”
Ace Ventura In Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
Many of the funniest Ace Ventura come when he’s pressing suspects for information. Ace Ventura is a parody of characters from ‘80s action shows like Magnum P.I., and he takes his job as a Pet Detective surprisingly seriously. However, Ace is not quite as effective with his hard-boiled detective tough-talking. When confronting his crooked police lieutenant who was behind the whole scheme, she picks up her phone to call for backup while Ace offers this timely — and hilarious — warning.
Jim Carrey’s delivery of a health warning about the potential dangers of prolonged phone use in the middle of a tense confrontation is both absurd and hilariously off-topic
This line showcases the character’s unique blend of humor and pseudo-seriousness, which perfectly parodies the tone of ’80s action heroes. Jim Carrey’s delivery of a health warning about the potential dangers of prolonged phone use in the middle of a tense confrontation is both absurd and hilariously off-topic, highlighting Ace’s inability to be anything other than irreverently comedic, even in situations that might warrant a more traditional approach.
8 “Yes, A Workaholic; The Urine Stain On Your Pants Would Signify That You’re A Single Shake Man, Far Too Busy For The Follow-up Jiggle.”
Ace Ventura In Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
While there are many versions of Sherlock Holmes and other famed detectives who can make stunning deductions based on small details, Ace Ventura perhaps doesn’t get the credit he is due for such talents. Not only is he incredibly observant, but he also doesn’t worry about the politeness some other detectives might be preoccupied with, and as this Ace Ventura quote shows his bluntness often reveals just how solid his powers of deduction are. He correctly surmises that Vincent Cadby is consumed with his work, pointing to the stains on the man’s trousers.
Carrey’s character may operate in a far more comedic realm than Sherlock Holmes, yet this moment reveals that Ace’s observational abilities are as sharp as any classic detective’s — albeit used to draw far less conventional conclusions. The humor here is derived not just from the observation itself but from Ace’s utter lack of tact in pointing out such a personal and embarrassing detail, highlighting his disregard for social niceties in pursuit of the truth.
7 “Pleasure To Meet You, Mr. Camp, And Congratulations On All Your Success. You Smell Terrific.”
Ace Ventura In Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
Undercover work is a skill any worthwhile detective has in their repertoire. However, Ace cannot help but act foolish even when sneaking into a fancy party. When Ace introduces himself to Ronald Camp, he adopts the undercover persona of a lawyer named Tom Ace. He shakes Camp’s hand and says, “Tom Ace. Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Camp, and congratulations on all your success. You smell terrific.” Ace’s inability to act like an adult for even a moment is hilarious, while his open mocking of the wealthy partygoers is another endearing aspect of the character.
Ace’s straightforward and bizarre compliment to Mr. Camp is memorable not just for its humor but for what it reveals about Ace as a character.
Ace’s straightforward and bizarre compliment to Mr. Camp is memorable not just for its humor but for what it reveals about Ace as a character: his inherent inability to take anything seriously, his charm in navigating social interactions in his unique way, and his subtle mockery of societal pretenses. Through this interaction, the film continues to deliver on its promise of unconventional comedy while showcasing Ace Ventura’s distinct and enduring appeal.
6 “Excuse Me! I’d like To Ass You A Few Questions!”
Ace Ventura In Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
Jim Carrey is a master of physical comedy, and the “I’d like to ass you a few questions” line in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective perfectly showcases his skills. Almost nowhere else does he display his penchant for the method as well as in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective — specifically when he turns around and pretends to talk out of his butt. It is a juvenile gag that worked so effectively that it alone may have cemented Carrey as a star. The pun thrown in just elevates the quote as a truly memorable cinematic moment.
Carrey’s ability to transform what could have been a simple verbal pun into a memorable visual and comedic moment speaks volumes about his dedication to his craft. It’s this commitment to physical comedy, coupled with his unique ability to animate his body in exaggerated ways, that not only defines his performance in this film but also helped to establish him as a leading comedic actor of his time.