Evan Almighty (2007)

Family-Friendly Sequel To "Bruce Almighty"

I enjoyed "Bruce Almighty" when it was released a few years back. I was hesitant to watch its sequel, "Evan Almighty," for a number of reasons. Firstly, Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) was technically a villain in the first film. Secondly, I wasn't too sure about the PG rating for the film, thinking that a toned-down sequel would lose some of the schtick of the first film. Also, I found it hard to swallow the idea of a modern-day "Noah's Ark" story. I was quite surprised with the end result, however.

Morgan Freeman reprises his role as God, and does a fine and funny job of it. This time around, we find Evan giving up his day job as a newscaster and heading for Capitol Hill. He's taken under the wing of congressman Long (John Goodman), a seedy but slick politician who's out to make a profit by manipulating a few environmental roadblocks. Long believes that with Baxter in his corner, he can get the necessary changes made to go ahead with his development plans.

Of course, God has other plans for both parties, and asks Evan to literally build an ark (with animal pairings to boot). What is the reasoning behind building an ark? God works in mysterious ways, and despite resisting him at first, Evan goes along with the Big Guy and builds the ark for better or worse. The result is an environmental message draped with a blanket of generic Christian (or Jewish, since the story of Noah's ark is from the Old Testament) values that no one except the most staunch atheist will find offensive. It's nice to see some Biblical values presented in a positive light, but don't turn to this film for some deep theological wisdom.

With a solid supporting cast including Lauren Graham and Wanda Sykes, among others, "Evan Almighty" is an excellent, family-friendly film that will please the youngsters and the old folks equally. The special effects are excellent, but it's the plot that makes this film worth repeat viewings. Recommended. July 2, 2008

A Black Mark On A Prosperous Career

Tom Shadyac, the director of this movie has brought us some excellent comedy movies in the past both as producer and director. Ace Ventura Pet Detective, Nutty Professor 1 & 2, Liar Liar plus others are all great movies, even the prequel to this Bruce Almighty was a mildly amusing and heart breaking movie. Evan Almighty was on the other end of the comedy spectrum when compared to his other triumphs. Steve Carell of The Office fame has fast become one of the most recognisable names in comic acting yet this is a black mark on his career also. This movie being the most expensive comedy film in history had a lot behind it in terms of money and publicity, the only thing it didn't have behind it was good comedy.

The story revolves around Evan Baxter who we may remember from Bruce Almighty, he's quit local TV news and was elected to congress. He's now upped stakes and moved him and his family to suburban north Virginia, and his congressional campaign I here you ask? He plans to change the world, I just don't think he imagined it in the way it would actually turn out. After a series of strange events from being followed by animals to growing a beard that just wont be shaved, he becomes convinced that he's going insane, along with the people around him. One day he's approach by a black man in a white suit who calls himself God, he tells Evan he must build an Ark and carry two of every animal as there's soon going to be a flood to wipe away all the evil in the world.

I have to be honest, I can see another one of these movies being made to tell of another biblical tale and then us simply being even more disappointed with the results. I also can't help but think there's a bit of a religious propaganda undertone in there somewhere. Well, Christianity could do with a few more members of the church and if this is the way to bring them in, then so be it. I have to admit there were a few parts of this movie that I enjoyed, especially when Evan was going through the "Noah" transformation but I think at $200 Million being spent on this movie, I think many would agree that the money could have been spent more wisely elsewhere.

Get it if you like Carell, but expect to be disappointed. June 27, 2008

ok movie

i will keep this in my collection, it wasnt as good as the first one but it was ok June 20, 2008

It only takes one Act of Random Kindness.

I'm not one for blasphemy, but if someone is going to play the creator of the heavens and earth Morgan Freeman is the best choice. In the sequel to the 2003 hit Bruce Almighty we are reunited with local newsman Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) in his new role as congressman. In his political campaign he promises to change the world and the rest of the movie is set in motion. Starting with the strange appearance of the number 614. Of course this is to reference the Book of Genesis 6:14 in which God instructs Noah to make an ark of gopher wood; you shall make the ark with rooms, and shall cover it inside and out with pitch.

Of course, Morgan Freeman must reveal himself several times before ole Evan gets the message. This in turn leads his family and friends to believe he his going through a mid-life crisis ... especially so when his appearance is altered to reflect his calling. All the while, the true nature of the flood is beginning to reveal itself. Congressman Long (John Goodman) intends to use Evan to secure a dubious land bill which would strip away the national parks. Evan later discovers that Congressman Long has already played this hand in developing the land in which Evan currently resides.

Evan Al mighty can't quite live up to its predecessor, but what sequel can? Steve Carell does an adequate job playing the role as "Noah" Morgan Freeman is, of course, brilliant in his role. Wanda Sykes plays her role well enough ... it can't be easy following Jim Carrey in the comedy department, can it? We get Lauren Graham playing the role of Joan Baxter. A few less noteworthy performances by others. All of which produce a not so bad rendition of the 6th book in Genesis. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, but I like the family humor so often missed in modern films. May 31, 2008

NOT NEARLY AS BAD AS I EXPECTED! 2 1/2 STARS!

When I saw the trailer for this film I thought this was going to be really bad! I liked the first movie 'Bruce Almighty', but thought it wasn't as good as it should have been given the premise and the cartoonish Jim Carrey in the lead. This film is really a harmless family film and that is it's strength. When the story tries to rely on site gags it falls flat, but as a story of a busy Congressman who neglects his family, it works. The outrageous situation in itself is funny enough, without having animal "doo doo" joke every few minutes. It's not great by any stretch, but it kept my interest all the way through, probably because I've been too exausted lately to change the channel!:-) It's a nice little movie with some good message and special FX. Lower your expectations and you just might enjoy this. May 19, 2008

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