Movie Info

Evan Almighty

This is the not-so-sequel to Bruce Almighty with the only link being Morgan Freeman reprising his role as God. This time around, God answers the prayers of Congressman Evan Baxter (Steve Carell), who has recently won a seat in Congress and wants to "change the world". God advises Evan that a flood is coming and that he needs to build an Ark.

Evan has to convince his family, friends and also his fellow Congressmen that he isn't crazy when animals start to show up in pairs around him and when he starts growing his hair (at an alarming rate). There are a lot of comical moments in the movie but in the end, it turns out to be a film about family values and how every little change counts.

Steve Carell continues his popularity from The Office and 40-year Old Virgin. Carell plays the straight-faced clean-cut business-type with that twisted, sarcastic humour. It is Carell's style and it works well in this movie. Hopefully he won't be type-casted into this type of roll (like Adam Sandler or Jim Carrey). I think Carell's next film should be a drama to showcase his other acting talents.

Morgan Freeman is great as God. I thought the idea of a black God was great. It was funny too when you realize that Morgan Freeman has some really bad teeth. You think God would have perfect teeth no? The other supporting case members include Lauren Graham from the Gilmore Girls as Evan Baxter's wife. I thought she played the role well and I liked how the movie tied in the family aspect.

If Steve Carell wasn't enough, Wanda Sykes was cast as Evan's assistant. Syke's dry humour is funny in spurts and it really did add to the movie, especially during the scenes where Even is experiencing some "godly" intervention. John Goodman plays a sneaky Congressman. I haven't seen Goodman in many films lately and I'm glad that he's back in movies.

The movie was extremely short at an hour and thirty minutes. I wish the movie was another 15-20 minutes longer. The plot itself has a little twist and it was perhaps difficult to extend the movie another 20 minutes, but I would have felt that it was well worth the money I spent. Instead, it was a typical comedy with mild satisfaction.

Director Tom Shadyac also directed Bruce Almighty, Patch Adams, Liar Liar, The Nutty Professor and Ace Ventura so he's got a lot of comical experience over the years. The movie seemed choppy at times but I think Shadyac was able to make good with the premise. I still think an extra 15-20 minutes of jokes would have made this film though.

An enjoyable movie but something I would still enjoy equally at home with my DVD player. I'd recommend this movie to families and those who want some light movie watching. However, save it as a rental and not a theatre visit.

Dragoncrypt