THE MASTER OF DISGUISE (2002) *1/2 Dana Carvey wanders around in stupid suits saying dumb things and generally pretending that there's a plot. In other words, it's the sort of film that might have been brilliant if Adam Sandler did it. There are several amusing bits-Carvey is probably a better mimic than the last guy you heard doing Brando in a bar, and his (Carvey's) rendition of Robert Shaw (Jaws) is not only very good, but played in such an absurdly ridiculous point in the proceedings that it works beautifully. Which just reminds us that this show keeps referencing better ones, not with the result that it endears itself, more that we wish we were watching the other ones. The film is mercifully short, but then the closing credits go on for nearly as long, and arguably with a good deal more thought put into them. Not all of Carvey's schtick falls flat, but none gets anywhere near the heights to which he aspires through imitation (Peter Sellers, Jerry Lewis). Eventually you just settle back into hoping that something will make you smile, and awaiting the next exciting cameo (Bo Derek, Jesse Ventura, some other ones).
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