The Mask (1994)

"The Mask" is a zany American superhero comedy directed by Chuck Russell, released in 1994. Adapted from the Dark Horse Comics series by John Arcudi and Doug Mahnke, this wild ride blends slapstick humor, cartoonish antics, and a breakout performance by Jim Carrey into a ‘90s pop-culture phenomenon. The story follows Stanley Ipkiss (Carrey), a meek bank clerk in Edge City whose humdrum life flips when he unearths a mystical wooden mask imbued with the chaotic spirit of Loki, the Norse trickster god. Donning it, Stanley transforms into a green-faced, whirlwind dynamo—brimming with charisma, mischief, and Tex Avery-style zaniness. As “The Mask,” he woos sultry singer Tina Carlyle (Cameron Diaz in her debut), but his bank-robbing escapades draw the ire of mobster Dorian Tyrell (Peter Greene), whose crew takes the fall. With cops and crooks closing in, Stanley juggles his dual life alongside his loyal dog Milo. Famed for Carrey’s unhinged energy, groundbreaking CGI effects, and a swingin’ soundtrack featuring “Cuban Pete,” "The Mask" is a visual and comedic tour de force. Diaz’s star-making turn and a chaotic climax—punctuated by the mask’s Looney Tunes chaos—made it an instant hit. Released in 1994, "The Mask" grossed over $351 million worldwide, earning an Oscar nod for Visual Effects and spawning an animated series. A riotous blend of heart and havoc, it’s a timeless showcase of Carrey’s comedic genius.