Ace Ventura 3: Lost in Time (2025): A Zany Return to Pet Detective Madness

Introduction

The Ace Ventura franchise, launched in 1994 with Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and followed by Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls in 1995, redefined comedy with its irreverent humor and Jim Carrey’s iconic performance as the eccentric pet detective. After decades of speculation, Ace Ventura 3: Lost in Time (2025) brings the beloved character back in a time-traveling adventure that blends the franchise’s signature slapstick with modern flair. Directed by Sophie Takal and produced by Morgan Creek Entertainment and Warner Bros., the film stars Timothée Chalamet as a young Ace Ventura, with Jim Carrey returning in a supporting role. Set for a theatrical release on August 15, 2025, Ace Ventura 3 promises to deliver a wild ride filled with outrageous gags, animal antics, and a touch of nostalgia. This article offers a comprehensive introduction to the film, exploring its plot, cast, production, themes, reception, and significance in reviving a comedy classic.

Plot Synopsis

Ace Ventura 3: Lost in Time follows a young Ace Ventura (Timothée Chalamet), a quirky and animal-obsessed pet detective in 2025 Miami, who stumbles upon a mysterious case involving a missing time-traveling parrot named Chronos. The bird, a rare macaw with a penchant for squawking cryptic phrases, belongs to eccentric billionaire scientist Dr. Eliza Thorn (Toni Collette), who claims it holds the key to unlocking time itself. When Chronos is stolen by a shadowy organization led by the sinister Victor Zahn (Jude Law), Ace is inadvertently sucked into a time vortex, launching him on a chaotic journey across history.

From ancient Egypt to 1980s Miami, Ace teams up with his older self (Jim Carrey) and a whip-smart archaeologist, Dr. Maya Rivera (Zazie Beetz), to recover Chronos and prevent Zahn from rewriting history for profit. Along the way, Ace encounters dinosaurs, disco dancers, and a mischievous band of time-displaced animals, including a wise-cracking capuchin monkey and a flatulent woolly mammoth. The film retains the franchise’s trademark humor—think physical comedy, absurd one-liners, and Ace’s signature “Alrighty then!”—while weaving in a time-travel narrative that pokes fun at sci-fi tropes and historical inaccuracies.

The story balances high-energy comedy with heartfelt moments, as young Ace grapples with living up to his future self’s legend while learning to trust his instincts. The climax, set in a time-warped version of Hill Valley (a nod to Back to the Future), features a hilarious showdown involving a flock of flamingos and a malfunctioning time machine. Ace Ventura 3 delivers a mix of nostalgia and fresh absurdity, ensuring fans old and new are in for a wild ride.

Cast and Characters

The film combines rising stars with franchise veterans, creating a dynamic ensemble:

• Timothée Chalamet as Young Ace Ventura: Known for Dune and Wonka, Chalamet brings a fresh yet reverent take on Ace, channeling Jim Carrey’s manic energy while adding his own youthful charm. His physical comedy and animal impressions have been praised in early screenings.
• Jim Carrey as Older Ace Ventura: Carrey returns in a supporting role as a grizzled, eccentric version of Ace, now a retired pet detective living in a jungle compound. His limited screen time is packed with nostalgic gags, including a reprise of his iconic butt-talking scene.
• Zazie Beetz as Dr. Maya Rivera: Beetz (Joker, Atlanta) shines as Maya, a brilliant archaeologist who becomes Ace’s partner-in-crime. Her chemistry with Chalamet adds a grounded counterpoint to the film’s absurdity.
• Jude Law as Victor Zahn: Law plays the suave yet diabolical Zahn, a villain with a penchant for time manipulation and monologues. His performance blends menace with camp, fitting the franchise’s tone.
• Supporting Cast: Toni Collette (Hereditary) steals scenes as the quirky Dr. Thorn, while comedians like Bill Hader (as a time-displaced pharaoh) and Maya Rudolph (as a disco diva) add to the film’s comedic roster. Animal actors, including a trained macaw and a CGI-enhanced mammoth, play a significant role, staying true to the franchise’s animal-centric roots.

Production and Development

Directed by Sophie Takal, known for her indie horror films like Always Shine (2016), Ace Ventura 3 marks a departure into mainstream comedy. The screenplay, written by Josh Stolberg and Pete Goldfinger (Jigsaw), blends the franchise’s zany humor with a time-travel twist inspired by Bill & Ted and Back to the Future. Produced by Morgan Creek Entertainment and Warner Bros., with James G. Robinson and David Robinson as producers, the film was shot in Miami, Los Angeles, and Vancouver from March to July 2024.

The production leaned heavily on practical effects for animal scenes, with CGI used sparingly for time-travel visuals and historical settings. Cinematographer Ellen Kuras (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) crafted a vibrant, colorful aesthetic that nods to the 1990s originals while embracing a modern polish. The score, composed by Mark Mothersbaugh (Thor: Ragnarok), mixes retro synths with tropical beats, evoking the Miami vibe and the franchise’s quirky energy.

The project faced skepticism from fans due to Jim Carrey’s limited role and his public statements about semi-retirement. However, Carrey’s involvement as a producer and his enthusiasm for Chalamet’s casting helped quell doubts. The film premiered at Comic-Con International on July 25, 2024, where its first trailer generated buzz for its mix of nostalgia and fresh humor. Ace Ventura 3 is rated PG-13 for crude humor, mild violence, and language, with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes.

Themes and Style

Ace Ventura 3: Lost in Time stays true to the franchise’s core themes: irreverent humor, animal advocacy, and the triumph of individuality. The time-travel element introduces a new layer, exploring self-discovery as young Ace learns from his future self while carving his own path. The film also pokes fun at historical tropes, with anachronistic gags like Ace teaching cavemen to breakdance or using his pet detective skills to tame a T-Rex.

Stylistically, the film embraces the slapstick and visual comedy of the originals, with Chalamet performing exaggerated physical gags reminiscent of Carrey’s prime. Takal’s direction injects a modern sensibility, with tighter pacing and a focus on character-driven humor. The time-travel sequences, filled with colorful portals and absurd historical mashups, add a sci-fi flair that sets the film apart from its predecessors. Critics have noted that while the humor occasionally leans juvenile, the film’s heart and commitment to its absurd premise make it a worthy successor.

Reception and Expectations

Early reactions from Comic-Con and test screenings have been largely positive, with audiences praising Chalamet’s ability to honor Carrey’s legacy while making Ace his own. Variety called it “a love letter to fans that doesn’t take itself too seriously,” while Screen Rant noted that “Chalamet’s charisma carries the film, though it lacks the raw energy of the originals.” Some X posts expressed mixed feelings, with users loving Carrey’s cameo but debating whether the franchise needed a revival. One post read, “Timothée as Ace is surprisingly perfect, but it’s not the same without Jim in the lead.”

No official Rotten Tomatoes score is available yet, but IMDb ratings from early screenings hover around 6.8/10, reflecting solid but not universal acclaim. The film is expected to appeal to longtime fans, younger audiences drawn to Chalamet, and those craving lighthearted comedy in a crowded summer season. Its PG-13 rating ensures broader accessibility than the R-rated originals, though some fans lament the toned-down edge.

Release and Availability

Ace Ventura 3: Lost in Time is slated for a wide theatrical release on August 15, 2025, in the United States, distributed by Warner Bros. It will be available in standard, IMAX, and 4DX formats, with showtimes listed on platforms like Fandango and Regal Cinemas. International releases are planned for the UK, Australia, and India in late August 2025. Streaming availability on Max is expected by late 2025, aligning with Warner Bros.’ typical release window. The official trailer, released in June 2025, has amassed 12 million views on YouTube, with its “time-traveling parrot” gag becoming a meme on X.

Why It Matters

Ace Ventura 3: Lost in Time taps into a wave of 1990s nostalgia, following the success of reboots like Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) and Sonic the Hedgehog (2020). The franchise’s blend of absurd humor and animal-centric storytelling remains unique, and Chalamet’s casting bridges the gap between old fans and a new generation. The film’s time-travel premise allows it to pay homage to the originals while exploring fresh comedic territory, making it a bold addition to the series.

The project also reflects Hollywood’s evolving approach to legacy sequels, balancing nostalgia with new voices like Takal’s direction and Chalamet’s star power. By addressing animal welfare through Ace’s mission to save Chronos, the film subtly reinforces the franchise’s heart, aligning with modern audiences’ values. Whether it’s Chalamet’s wild impressions or Carrey’s brief but memorable return, Ace Ventura 3 offers a chance to rediscover the joy of a character who’s all about “talking out of his ass” and saving the day.

Conclusion

Ace Ventura 3: Lost in Time (2025) brings the iconic pet detective back in a time-hopping adventure that blends nostalgia with fresh energy. Directed by Sophie Takal and starring Timothée Chalamet alongside Jim Carrey, the film delivers the franchise’s signature mix of slapstick comedy, animal antics, and heart. With a stellar supporting cast, vibrant visuals, and a story that spans history, it promises to entertain fans and newcomers alike. Set for release on August 15, 2025, Ace Ventura 3 is poised to prove that Ace’s zany spirit is timeless. Alrighty then—get ready for a wild ride!