by Suzy Stembridge

Created on: September 23, 2010

“The Master of Disquise” is a comedy directed by Perry Andelin Blake (Click, Grown Ups) and written by Dana Carvey (Wayne’s World, SNL) and Harris Goldberg (Without A Paddle, Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo). This slapstick movie follows the adventures of a bumbling yet ambitious disguise aspirer, wonderfully played by Dana Carvey with the charming Jennifer Esposito as his love interest and Brent Spiner as the antagonis, Devlin Bowman. 

We follow the life of Pistachio, a sad, often bullied son to a master of disguise, Fabbrizio Disguisey who was responsible in breaking up a smuggling ring, headed by evil Devlin Bowman 20 years ago. Fabbrizio, opting not to let his only son know of his masquerading abilities for the safety of his family, is kinapped by Devlin, fresh out of jail. Devlin forces Fabbrizio to use his skills in stealing legendary artifacts while threatening Mama’s life. Pistachio, a social outcast due to his inappropriate mocking abilities, is visited by his grandfather (Harold Gould) who bestows the knowledge of disguises to aid him in rescuing his family. Pistachio hires a secretary, Jennifer (Jennifer Esposito) for assistance and unintentionally but comically falls in love with her. The duo goes in search of clues to Devlin’s whereabouts; Jennifer for most parts completely clueless about the true nature of their adventure. Romance ensues as they find a way to free Pistachio’s parents, return the stolen artifacts while adorning various, sometimes down-right comical disguises. 

This 2002 movie is perfect for kids ages 13 and up, the crude humor unsuitable for younger children, yet too simple for adults. However, people who inadvertently decide to sit through the movie will be pleasantly surprise at how simple buffoonery can make you laugh until your sides ache. If the goal of the movie was to make audiences laugh AT Dana Carvey instead of WITH him, then mission accomplish. The ever-charming Jennifer Esposito adds a whimsical appeal to the whole theme. 

This flick offers many chuckle opportunities, from the wildly hilarious costumes to the comical character names (Gammy Num-Nums). While Dana Carvey is no master of disguise, he is wonderfully apt at making a complete fool of himself in a turtle suit, a Swedish tax agent and as President George Bush. The plot is daft and predictable but the verbal banter between characters pulls the story from basic to bemusing. 80 minutes might seem like a long time to watch something so mundane, but you’ll soon find yourselves guffawing until its time to roll the credits. And even then, comes the bloopers. 

This movie might not be one worth clearing your schedule for but it is delightfully entertaining when you least expect it. An overall family picture with a healthy emphasis on the abundance of a women’s rear, “The Master of Disguise” is perfect for some well deserved couch time. It’s got ninjas too.

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