Jim Carrey was buried under the special effects of the original hardly able to do what he does so well, be funny. It was a clever idea that utilized the CGI effects as if Tex Avery had invented them. Somehow the Avery cartoons were so much better.

Usually sequels to films like "The Mask" are just lame. Consider the latest "Chucky" flick; scary for all the wrong reasons. Somehow, the son is funnier than the father.

More characters get to share in the magic of the mask, giving the movie more to do with its special brand of special effects. The baby "son" is born with the mask's abilities. There are some clever bits that almost out-creep the dancing infant from "Ally McBeel." It's the family dog, however, that steals the show. His mischievous grin and constant tittering are infectious.

As for the rest of the humans, they do their thing admirably, considering the rubbery universe they inhabit.

Jamie Kennedy is the lovable father who works for an animation company. His dream of making it big in "Toontown" is part of what drives this comic vehicle. On the other side of the tale is Alan Cumming playing Loki, the god of mischief, son of Odin. Nordic mythology was never this funny. As a matter of fact, Nordic mythology was never funny at all! Somehow in "Son of the Mask," it manages to spark some laughter out of Valhalla.

Probably marketed toward young teens who can appreciate the toilet humor and over-the-top gags more, "Mask 2" is harmless fun except for the people on screen.

The sappy ending feels somewhat tacked on, but I suppose I didn't really expect genius from a Mask sequel. Taken for what it is, the film is funny enough and the gags are worth the wait. It's not exactly "A Fish Called Wanda." Then again, whad'dya want for $8.50?

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