Poster for The Mask

The Mask (1994) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Timid bank clerk Stanley Ipkiss discovers a magical mask infused with the spirit of the Norse god Loki. Donning it transforms him into an unrestrained, green-faced, cartoon-like wild man. While the mask grants him the confidence to woo a local singer, it also makes him the target of a ruthless mobster.

Rated PG-13 • 1994 • 1h 41m

7.0
10K+
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Age
13+

The Mask is a live-action cartoon famous for its groundbreaking special effects and Jim Carrey's hyperactive performance. Its PG-13 rating is for stylized, comic book-style violence and consistent sexual innuendo. The violence includes frequent gunplay, though often with no consequence, and a notable on-screen murder by the main villain. The sexual content consists of suggestive dancing, provocative outfits on the female lead, and… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey
Peter Riegert
Peter Riegert
Peter Greene
Peter Greene
Amy Yasbeck
Amy Yasbeck
Richard Jeni
Richard Jeni
Orestes Matacena
Orestes Matacena
Tim Bagley
Tim Bagley
Nancy Fish
Nancy Fish
Johnny Williams
Johnny Williams
Reg E. Cathey
Reg E. Cathey
Jim Doughan
Jim Doughan
Denis Forest
Denis Forest
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Is The Mask appropriate for kids?

The Mask is a live-action cartoon famous for its groundbreaking special effects and Jim Carrey's hyperactive performance. Its PG-13 rating is for stylized, comic book-style violence and consistent sexual innuendo. The violence includes frequent gunplay, though often with no… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Mask

Sex Strong 6/10
Violence Strong 7/10
Language Moderate 4/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 7/10

What happens in The Mask, moment by moment

  1. 0:05 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
  2. 0:10 💬 Language 4/10
  3. 0:22 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
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Sex and nudity in The Mask

Contains moderate sexual innuendo and suggestive content. The female lead, Tina, wears several revealing outfits, including a see-through dress and another where her underwear is briefly visible during a vigorous dance sequence. The Mask's behavior is overtly flirtatious and cartoonishly lustful, involving wolf-whistles and lewd comments. In one notable gag, The Mask is making balloon animals and mistakenly pulls out a condom, quipping, "Sorry, wrong pocket." A passionate kiss occurs at the end.

Violence and gore in The Mask

Violence is frequent but highly stylized and mostly played for laughs, resembling a live-action Tex Avery cartoon. This includes massive shootouts where The Mask is riddled with bullets to no effect, cartoonish brawls with exaggerated sound effects, and characters being hit with giant mallets. However, the tone shifts when the villain, Dorian, wears the mask; he becomes a monstrous figure who murders his boss, Niko, by shooting him on-screen. Other scenes include implied violence (shoving tailpipes up men's rears)…

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Language in The Mask

Language is mild for a PG-13 rating. The IMDb guide notes uses of "ass," "bitch," "crap," and "bastard." A mechanic calls Stanley a "dickhead" early in the film. Stanley also tells his dog, "Daddy is gonna kick some ass." Profanity is infrequent and not a central component of the film's humor.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Mask

Substance use is present but not a focus. The villain, Dorian Tyrell, and his henchmen are frequently seen smoking cigars, particularly at the Coco Bongo nightclub. Alcohol is also consumed by patrons in the background of nightclub and party scenes. There is no depiction of drunkenness or drug use.

Mature themes in The Mask

The film's central themes include repression, social anxiety, and newfound confidence, as the mask unleashes Stanley's id. It also features mature plot elements like organized crime, betrayal for money (Peggy betrays Stanley to the mob), and a bomb threat in a public place. The transformation sequences can be intense; Dorian's first time wearing the mask turns him into a frightening, demonic-looking monster, which could be scary for younger viewers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Mask appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Mask is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. The Mask is a live-action cartoon famous for its groundbreaking special effects and Jim Carrey's hyperactive performance. Its PG-13 rating is for stylized, comic book-style violence and consistent sexual innuendo. The…

What age rating does The Mask have?

The Mask is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is The Mask about?

The Mask is a live-action cartoon famous for its groundbreaking special effects and Jim Carrey's hyperactive performance. Its PG-13 rating is for stylized, comic book-style violence and consistent sexual innuendo. The violence includes frequent gunplay, though often with no consequence, and a notable on-screen murder…

Is there sex or nudity in The Mask?

Contains moderate sexual innuendo and suggestive content. The female lead, Tina, wears several revealing outfits, including a see-through dress and another where her underwear is briefly visible during a vigorous dance sequence. The Mask's behavior is overtly…

How violent is The Mask?

Violence is frequent but highly stylized and mostly played for laughs, resembling a live-action Tex Avery cartoon. This includes massive shootouts where The Mask is riddled with bullets to no effect, cartoonish brawls with exaggerated sound effects, and…

Is the language in The Mask appropriate for kids?

Language is mild for a PG-13 rating. The IMDb guide notes uses of "ass," "bitch," "crap," and "bastard." A mechanic calls Stanley a "dickhead" early in the film. Stanley also tells his dog, "Daddy is gonna kick some ass." Profanity is infrequent and not a…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Mask?

Substance use is present but not a focus. The villain, Dorian Tyrell, and his henchmen are frequently seen smoking cigars, particularly at the Coco Bongo nightclub. Alcohol is also consumed by patrons in the background of nightclub and party scenes. There is…

What mature themes appear in The Mask?

The film's central themes include repression, social anxiety, and newfound confidence, as the mask unleashes Stanley's id. It also features mature plot elements like organized crime, betrayal for money (Peggy betrays Stanley to the mob), and a bomb threat in…

How long is The Mask?

The Mask runs 101 minutes, directed by Chuck Russell, released in 1994.

Where can I read the full The Mask parent guide?

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