The piece takes a friendly, behind-the-scenes tour with Josh Flitter, who stars in the upcoming DVD release ACE VENTURA JR.: PET DETECTIVE. A seasoned pet expert named Tanner serves as the natural guide, framing the chat as a warm look at how animals shape the world of kids’ cinema just as much as human performers do. The conversation travels from humor rooted in classic comedy to a modern lens on family-friendly adventures, showing how Junior represents a fresh chapter in the Ventura legacy while keeping the spotlight firmly on the animals that bring the story to life.
The discussion makes one thing clear: this film isn’t a remake or a stand-in for Jim Carrey’s unmistakable persona. Instead, it leans on Junior, a new generation star in the Ventura universe, who carries the franchise forward with his own style and heart. It’s a blend that honors what fans loved about the original films while inviting a broader audience to fall in love with fresh dynamics, clever tricks, and a chorus of animal characters that drive the action and humor alike. In this light, the movie becomes not a tribute to a single actor but a celebration of an ensemble built around adventurous, pet-friendly storytelling.
Flitter recalls the remarkable creatures that shared the screen during production. The most endearing moment involved a chinchilla whose charm was irresistible, but the first animal he held was a tiny baby alligator — hatched only two weeks earlier and compact enough to fit safely in the palm of the hand. The experience underscored not just the thrill of working with remarkable wildlife but also the discipline of set safety, patient handling, and the careful choreography required to capture authentic moments without compromising the wellbeing of the animals or the crew. Those early scenes hinted at the delicate balance between spectacle and responsibility that runs through the entire film.
On the home front, Flitter opens up about his own dogs, revealing two beloved companions who inspire his on-screen choices and off-screen life. Richter, a big, easygoing beagle, carries a name chosen in tribute to a sports hero, while Lucy, a bichon poodle with a big personality, earned the affectionate nickname Lulu long before the family settled on her formal name. The family’s playful naming banter mirrors the warmth that characterizes Flitter’s approach to animals in real life: pets are cherished members of the household, with names that reflect love, humor, and the everyday joy they bring. The anecdote about his father’s reaction to Lucy’s name adds a touch of family humor that makes the scenes feel true to life.
Voicing a golden retriever in the AIR BUDDIES films offered Flitter a different kind of challenge and fulfillment. He found it rewarding to inhabit the voice of a canine character who can be both loyal and mischievous, translating animal expressions into dialogue that resonates with young audiences and their families. The work demanded an ear for the subtleties of canine emotion and a sense of timing that matches the physical comedy on screen. For Flitter, the tie between his own dogs’ behavior and the on-screen canine performances provided a living blueprint for how to convey warmth, curiosity, and a sense of wonder without ever crossing into sentimentality.
When it comes to advising aspiring pet owners, Flitter keeps his guidance practical and compassionate. He urges prospective pet parents to choose adoption whenever possible and to plan for a lifetime of care. He emphasizes creating a home that supports a pet’s needs, from safe play spaces to durable toys that can withstand chewing. Dogs, he notes with characteristic warmth, deserve ongoing attention, training, and affection, and the right environment can make a huge difference in a pet’s happiness. He even offers a lighthearted tip about carpets and chew toys, a reminder that small adjustments can prevent damage while keeping a home social and comfortable for four-legged friends.
A director once suggested that Hollywood’s formula might rely on trusting a dog more than a person. Flitter reflects on this with a thoughtful smile, acknowledging the bond that can form between humans and animals in a shared creative project. He also remembers a claim that a movie with both animals and children can be challenging to pull off, yet ACE VENTURA proves otherwise by thriving on its combination of animal presence and youthful energy. The experience reinforces his belief that the right blend of animal and human characters can create a film that feels lively, heartfelt, and genuinely entertaining. In the end, the actor credits the film’s warmth to the animals and the kids who bring those animals to life, making the project a memorable one for everyone involved.
In closing, the conversation leaves a portrait of Josh Flitter as a performer who not only enjoys the craft but also deeply appreciates the creatures who star alongside him. The film ACE VENTURA JR.: PET DETECTIVE is presented through a lens of curiosity, humor, and genuine affection for animals, offering audiences a fresh take on a familiar franchise. The stories shared by Flitter, from tiny alligator encounters to beloved family dogs, paint a picture of a young actor who values responsibility, teamwork, and the simple joy that animals bring to both the screen and everyday life.