Evan Almighty isn't really a sequel to Bruce Almighty although they share characters (God played by Morgan Freeman, and Evan Baxter played by Steve Carrell). This movie doesn't have as many funny moments as Bruce Almighty but Steve Carrell's humor is also a different style than Jim Carrey (who played Bruce in Bruce Almighty). The script is well suited for Carrell. This is a great family movie with less crude humor as Bruce Almighty. It has a good message about family, perseverance, and patience. This isn't a retelling of the Noah story - it's more of a relation. Don't let the biblical theme scare you away. I'd recommend not reading any of the other reviews unless you want some spoilers.
The movie starts off with Evan Baxter the backstabbing character best known from the prequal Bruce Almighty, Baxter is elected into a congressionary position and spends a lot of time and money on improving his outward appearance in the hopes to personify a welcomed image to the public, this methodical daily routine is soon cut short by an act of God starting with subtle signs and reminders only soon to become life altering changes in both his appearance and mental status. The movie is small laughter all the way through the movie and this can be seen as an improvement over the original movie which offered bigger laughs but in much smaller doses. The situational aspects are the heart of this movie as Baxter's plights worsen. The Plot climax is slightly dissapointing but will not offend the die hard catholics that assuredly watched this movie to assumably boycott it's sacriligous properties. John Goodman is more well known as the cuddly American stereotype but he plays the antagonist quite well. All around this movie is very watchable and its comedic staying power will induce it into classic catagory.Read full review
With Jim Carrey and Jennifer Aniston both declining to reprise their roles for the sequel to Bruce Almighty. Returning Director Tom Shadyac goes in a different direction by paired up Steve Carell (The 40 Year Old Virgin) with Morgan Freeman. (Both Freeman and Carell are reprising their roles from Bruce Almighty). Evan Almighty put a delightful twist into established biblical scripture. It was also good to see Shadyac remain true to scripture (With God (Freeman) holding true to his promise never to flood the world again) but at the same time, he allows his audience the opportunity to expand their personal views on the concepts of prayer and making a difference in the lives of others. God (Freeman) mentioned the following: “If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?” Lastly, Evan's ARK does play a significant role, other than being the film’s signature vessel. A-R-K is the acronym for a single Act of Random Kindness…which is the first step that one must take in order to make a difference in the lives of others.Read full review
I bought this movie primarily because I really like Morgan Freeman. Beyond that, it was a very enjoyable movie in other regards, as well. Steve Carell was a perfect choice for Evan, and Morgan Freeman didn't disappoint. I enjoyed watching the special features, including all the details of hours of make-up and hair applications, how the animal scenes were filmed, and especially how the ark was designed, built, and the lumber reused by Habitat for Humanity. It's a movie we won't mind letting our young grandson watch, and it can appeal to all ages (depending on your taste in movies.) It was a refreshingly light, upbeat movie. I recommend it.
Evan Almighty is without a doubt the funniest movies I have seen this year, and one of the funniest I have seen in a long time. Steve Carrel's character, Evan, is elected to the US congress. Despite his family nagging that he needs to spend more time with them, he thinks everything is wonderful and sets out to change the world. Only, the very next morning after moving in, his tightly controlled world begins to fall apart. God wants him to build an ark and he will not take no for an answer. Steve Carrel was at his best. His achieved a perfect balance between being off the wall without being outright loony, a balance he has unfortunately lost in The Office TV show. In all fairness, his type of humor naturally wants to go out of control and it is difficult to put things in perspective. Ask Jim Carrey. Morgan Freeman definitely needs to get more comedic roles. He was certainly inspired by George Burns playing God. He keep the good natured spirit George created and is able to come across as a best friend. Morgan is not just a carbon copy of George, however. Mr. Burns took a laid back and "see what happens" approach while Mr. Freeman is assertive and pro-active in his divine will. Comedy aside, I enjoyed the movie for the deeper themes. The most obvious theme was that God apparently decided to renig on his promise not to destroy the world with a flood again. This fact was conveniently omitted from the movie. But fundamentalists will sleep well at night to learn that it was not the world that was destroyed by the flood, but something smaller. This was the core of the movie. God several times tells us that "arc" stands for "acts of random kindness". It's not the earth shattering miracles that make a difference, its the culmination of little things done day to day that will make the world a better place. I also found it refreshing to see God pictured as an active participant in human life. One who doesn't make you a different person when you pray to him, but one who gives you opportunities to change yourself. Today, we live in a United States where a small atheist minority is actively taking away symbols of hope that the Christians, Jews and Muslims, who together make an overwhelming majority, revere. It hurts me to see democracy perverted in this manner. Industry and businesses are free from these restrictions. I am glad to see at least some filmmakers have chosen to remind us that God is still with us. The success the movie had in theaters also proves that people still believe despite the public censorship of religion. All in all, an excellent movie to watch that also has life lessons that everyone should take to heart. John Holland-author of The Necklace of TerrersylvanousRead full review
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