Ace Ventura: Pet Detective Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The ending of Ace Ventura: Pet Detective sees Ace (Jim Carrey) solving the mystery of the missing Miami Dolphins mascot, Snowflake, and exposing the true culprit: Lieutenant Lois Einhorn (Sean Young), who is revealed to be Ray Finkle, a disgraced former Dolphins kicker seeking revenge. Ace humiliates Einhorn/Finkle in front of the entire Dolphins team, reunites Snowflake with the team, and celebrates his victory with his allies, including Melissa Robinson (Courteney Cox). The film concludes with Ace's signature over-the-top antics, solidifying his status as the ultimate pet detective.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of Ace Ventura: Pet Detective unfolds during a press conference at the Miami Dolphins' stadium, where Ace confronts Lieutenant Lois Einhorn, the police officer who had been assisting (and hindering) his investigation. After piecing together the clues-including a missing Super Bowl ring, a botched field goal attempt years earlier, and Einhorn's bizarre behavior - Ace deduces that "Lois Einhorn" is actually Ray Finkle, a former Dolphins kicker who was blamed for losing a crucial game. Finkle had undergone extensive plastic surgery to assume a female identity and take revenge on the Dolphins organization by kidnapping their beloved dolphin, Snowflake.
In a dramatic and comedic reveal, Ace strips Einhorn's wig and exposes her true identity, leading to a chaotic chase. The absurdity peaks when the entire Dolphins team, realizing Einhorn is Finkle, reacts in disgust upon discovering they had been intimate with him (a running gag about Einhorn's promiscuity). Finkle is ultimately arrested, Snowflake is returned safely, and Ace is hailed as a hero. The film ends with Ace celebrating in his signature ridiculous fashion, including a victory dance and his iconic "Alrighty then!" catchphrase.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
- How did Ray Finkle afford and undergo such extensive plastic surgery to become Lois Einhorn?
- Possible Answer: The film implies Finkle was deeply obsessed and may have used his remaining NFL money or connections in the criminal underworld to fund his transformation.
- Why didn't anyone recognize Finkle's voice or mannerisms despite the surgery?
- Possible Answer: Finkle likely trained to alter his voice and behavior, and the film's absurd tone allows for suspension of disbelief.
- What happened to Einhorn/Finkle after the arrest?
- Possible Answer: Given the film's comedic nature, he was probably imprisoned, though a sequel could have explored his return.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
The ending of Ace Ventura: Pet Detective is a perfect encapsulation of the film's zany, irreverent humor. Jim Carrey's physical comedy and over-the-top delivery make the reveal of Einhorn as Finkle both shocking and hilarious. While the twist is absurd, it fits the movie's tone, which never takes itself seriously. The climax also serves as a satisfying payoff to Ace's quirky detective work, rewarding the audience with a mix of slapstick and clever resolution.
That said, the film's treatment of transgender issues (via the Einhorn/Finkle reveal) has aged poorly, as it relies on outdated stereotypes for humor. While the movie is a product of its time, this aspect detracts from its otherwise harmless fun. Despite this, Ace Ventura remains a cult classic due to Carrey's unforgettable performance and its relentless energy. The ending, with Ace's triumphant celebration, leaves viewers on a high note, cementing the character's legacy in comedy history.
Final Thoughts
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective is a movie that thrives on absurdity, and its ending delivers exactly that. From the ludicrous villain reveal to Ace's triumphant antics, the conclusion is as memorable as it is ridiculous. While not without its flaws, the film's ending ensures that audiences leave laughing, which is exactly what it set out to do. Whether you love it or cringe at parts, there's no denying that Ace Ventura's finale is one for the comedy hall of fame.