Easily one of the best sons in the family’s act of living in some time, Evan was not triumphant over Almighty Bruce in any way. Bruce Almighty is a movie full of scattered laughs and a premise that doesn’t quite satisfy. Evan Almighty is a completely different movie, taking a more family-oriented approach and leaving a broad audience with a message.
Evan Almighty, modern telling the story of Noah’s Ark, in Evan Baxter (Steve Carell), the enemy of Bruce from the first film . Oddly enough, Evan has completely changed in character since the last picture and has become a workaholic politician who, more often than not, delivers empty promises to his family. But God (Morgan Freeman) enters Evan’s life, asking him to build an ark because the flood is coming. Evang initially claims that it doesn’t fit into his plan, but soon enough the animals begin to follow him with a giant beard and biting, Old Testament looking cloak. As Evan begins to build the ark, almost everyone thinks he’s gone, except for the children, who are often content with their father.
The script for Evang Almighty was first known as The Passion of the Ark, a screenplay that seems to have no relation to Bruce Almighty . After the script was sold and went through enhancements, it became the next installment in the Almighty film series.
Director Tom Shadyac, who first helmed Ace Ventura and Bruce Almighty, is a Christian and a good choice for the material. He delivers the biblical message without preaching too much. He also keeps a quick pace, which helps when the jokes aren’t hilarious. I do admit that there are some scenes that could use a touch of God, but Shadyac does an excellent job in the picture in particular. The movie has a lot of humor we’ve all seen and heard before, but Evan Almighty certainly has his fair share of humor and warm laughter, even if it comes with what feels like a slightly flooded run time.
As for the cast, Steve Carell is as good as ever and Wanda Sykes is the best sarcastic with her. For some strange reason, God doesn’t make much of an appearance in the movie, yet Morgan Freeman’s presence is felt throughout the comedy.
There were various reports that were provided in the actual budget of Evan Almighty, allocating from 175 million to 250 million. Whatever he can do on the bottom line, Evan Almighty has made the most beloved comedy ever. In all honesty it was money well spent. Computer generated animals and the big finale, when the flood finally arrives, everything looks terrible. It’s also refreshing to see Hollywood take the opportunity to spend money on a movie with a message. While Bruce Almighty shrills without alienating non-Christian audiences, the result is easily Christian, something that will work in Evang Almighty’s favor, or sink this top heavy ship.
Evan Almighty is a terrible comedy? Yes, this box is filled with more animals than laughter, but it’s more of a fun little treat for the whole (Christian) family.
