Evan Almighty (2007)

Just Not Funny

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. August 17, 2008

cosmic clown

Not funny. Saw it on TV and was inspired to say this is worse than you might even suspect. If there were a god that reaveled himself to the world like this I wouldn't like him. Well, I guess in the Bible god does do stuff like this and that's why I didn't like him. What a jerk.

"not to be nit-picky, but the tsunami-like disaster that overtakes Washington, D.C., looks as though it would snuff out the lives of quite a few citizens" --From the Amazon review. LOL. That part was funny. July 28, 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

God Awful!

If I was God, I would strike with lightning everyone involved in this stupid thing.

I was trapped on a flight to Hong Kong and it was watching this or License to Wed (what were they thinking!!!) or Knocked Up (What were they snorting!!!)
I know the writers of this pile of excretement had had hits in the past so I guess they thought any grocery list they'd write would be good enough for the Nobel prize.

So many holes, where to start! Why did Evan have to have a beard and wear ancient Biblical clothing? Did time stop at 0 BC? Why did they show Evan falling off piles of lumber and hitting his thumb with a hammer, not once when it wasn't remotely funny, but over and over and over and over.....! I knew then this movie was in trouble. Big trouble.

This was such a wretched movie, I just got out of my seat and looked out the plane's door window and found that staring at miles of nothing but open sea was much more entertaining. And I wondered where had all the REAL talent gone? I found myself thinking, if those responsible for this crap were on the plane, I'd throw them off. Sorry, God.

I forced myself to watch the dreadful ending on cable tv. Yeah, why were all these animals (um...some were sets of 2 males, not male/female!)brought in for a short flood? Sick also of John Goodman whose body of work has shrunk down to cliches with the same sour look on his face that he smells himself and it ain't good! Or maybe he smelled the script.

And dear Morgan Freeman! He's such a great actor. Did he need the money this badly? I heard this film was one of the costliest "comedies" in history. I don't think it earned back what it cost to make. Let that be a lesson!

I hereby swear off all Steve Carell movies from here on out.
May 31, 2008

Evan Almighty, good clean fun

I love this movie.It's very entertaining for the whole family. Doesn't contradict the real story. It's a must see. Very funny. April 5, 2008

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