The Master of Disguise

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The Master of Disguise

PG

2002

1h 20m

Comedy

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1%

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105 Reviews

37%

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50,000+ Ratings

Pistachio Disguisey, a genial waiter at his father Fabrizio's Italian restaurant, possesses an uncanny knack for mimicry. What he doesn't know is that his talent is genetic, and that he is the descendant of a long line of Masters of Disguise, all of whom have inherited the secret family gift known as Energico. Initially, Pistachio is a klutz, but little by little, he learns to harness his inherited power, and sallies forth to utilize Energico to its fullest.

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Critics Consensus

An ill-concieved attempt to utilize Dana Carvey's talent for mimicry, The Master of Disguise is an irritating, witless farce weighted down by sophomoric gags.

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Matt Singer

ScreenCrush

Jan 29, 2019

2/10

In a 40-year career in horror, David Cronenberg never dreamed up an image as chilling or stomach-churning as Dana Carvey as a human turtle.

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Keith Phipps

AV Club

May 29, 2013

A film about as funny as a seeping wound.

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Christy Lemire

Associated Press

May 29, 2013

Such a sad irony that Dana Carvey, who's made his name bringing celebrities to life with uncanny impersonations, should make such a lifeless movie based on characters of his own creation.

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

Oct 1, 2023

1/4

...fares even worse than its noxious reputation might’ve indicated.

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Adam Smith

Radio Times

May 2, 2014

1/5

While some of the make-up effects are mildly diverting (Carvey disguises himself as a turtle and a cherry pie), they hardly make up for the lame screenplay, barely coherent plot and increasingly desperate mugging.

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Total Film

May 29, 2013

1/5

If Carvey's looking for a comeback, then playing a cloying dimwit with an annoying accent isn't the place to start.

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Kyle Y

@disguiselover Jul 26, 2026

Once in a generation movie. A must watch.

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Shane E

@RT47643951 Jun 4, 2026

Not sure why this movie gets so much hate, it's such a staple from my childhood. Maybe it's because you have "A little weiner and some tiny nuts!" If thats the case then you're not "turtle'y enough for the turtle club." Either.

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Robert W

@Highlander042 Feb 28, 2026

Honestly, I have always loved this movie and still do. I rewatch it whenever I need a laugh. It silly, and you have to be able to be silly to enjoy it. If you’re an overly serious person you’ll probably hate it. Relax, grab some popcorn and giggle and snicker as Dana Carvey transforms before your eyes. Turtle Turtle.

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steven a

@Steast Feb 16, 2026

We have a saying in my family if something is good it is beast, if it is very good it is "treast"… this is the definition of treast.

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Matthew G.

@SirBee Jan 26, 2026

This movie is the epitome of Cheesy but good. It being a comedy with tons of gags makes it obvious that it’s supposed to be cheesy like it is which is why some people seem to hate it. It’s genuinely a really good movie that for whatever reason people don’t like.

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Tj S

@KaraokeTJ Dec 11, 2025

Turtle! Turtle! How could you not love that?

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Perry Andelin Blake

Director

Dana Carvey

Pistachio

Jennifer Esposito

Jennifer

Harold Gould

Grandfather

James Brolin

Frabbriziio

Brent Spiner

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Synopsis

Pistachio Disguisey, a genial waiter at his father Fabrizio's Italian restaurant, possesses an uncanny knack for mimicry. What he doesn't know is that his talent is genetic, and that he is the descendant of a long line of Masters of Disguise, all of whom have inherited the secret family gift known as Energico. Initially, Pistachio is a klutz, but little by little, he learns to harness his inherited power, and sallies forth to utilize Energico to its fullest.

Director: Perry Andelin Blake
Producer: Sidney Ganis, Alex Siskin, Barry Bernardi, Todd Garner
Screenwriter: Dana Carvey, Harris Goldberg
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Happy Madison Productions, Out of the Blue... Entertainment, Revolution Studios
Rating: PG (Some Crude Humor|Mild Language)
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 2, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 10, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $40.4M
Runtime: 1h 20m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Dolby A, SDDS, DTS, Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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