Evan Almighty (2007)

Overall rating from 1 to 100: 84

O Masterpiece (95-100)
X Excellent (75-94)
O Good video rental (60-74)
O Merely OK (50-59)
O Pure mediocrity (30-49)
O Medusa: don't watch (1-29)

Review by Jason Pyles / June 23, 2007

Not only is “Evan Almighty” the best movie of the summer (so far — and for broad audiences), it is the only movie sequel of the summer that is significantly better than its original, which is “Bruce Almighty” (2003). “Evan Almighty” is excellent, and I absolutely loved it. Whether you see it in the theater or rent it, this movie is a must-see.

Now, if you’re a Bible reader (like I AM ... get it?), then you’ve probably cringed at the premise to this movie: Steve Carell plays Evan, a man whom God (Morgan Freeman) calls to build an ark (just like Noah’s, dual animals and all) because a flood is imminent. This premise may have made you scoff because you’ve learned from (Genesis 9:8-17), that the rainbow is a symbol — not of gays — but of God’s promise not to flood the Earth again. Well, let me just say, without spoiling anything, quell your fears: You will be pleasantly surprised at the outcome of that doctrinal predicament.

“Bruce Almighty” starred Jim Carrey, and really, that movie has an entirely different premise: Basically, Bruce (Jim Carrey) was complaining about the job that God was doing of “running things,” and Bruce thought he could do better. And though “Bruce Almighty” had some perceptive parts, I was more displeased than pleased, finding some of it to be disrespectful and in poor taste.

Whereas, in “Evan Almighty,” God doesn’t hand over the reigns; instead, he calls one of his sons to do a special job. There is a sweetness associated with this movie that is hard for me to describe. I felt a little emotionally unbalanced because I would teeter between tears and laughter. There are some moments that are so poignant and spiritually insightful, that God fans will likely find this movie uplifting, inspiring and touching.

The story is simple and familiar: Evan Baxter is a newly elected congressman who wants to “change the world.” He and his wife, Joan (Lauren Graham, the mom from “Gilmore Girls”), and their three sons move from Buffalo, N.Y. to Huntsville, VA. Evan is quickly drawn in by Congressman Long (John Goodman) to help pass some questionable legislation.

But God has other plans for Evan: He commissions Evan to build an ark. Of course, this request is met by resistance, at first by Evan and then by everyone else in Evan’s life. A perpetually growing Grant-Adams beard and a Snow White relationship with animals further complicates Evan’s life. (Kids will love this movie because of all of its animal co-stars. In fact, I’ve heard that “Evan Almighty” has the new record for the most live animals used in a film.)

“Evan Almighty” is rated PG. And there is no “taking the Lord’s name in vain,” which is most refreshing. Adults will catch some mild innuendo, but nothing like you’ll hear in “Surf’s Up,” for example. I would only caution parents that one of Evan’s sons loves “Animal Planet,” so he frequently quotes animal factoids. At one point, the son recites some particulars about a male animal’s genitalia (using a word that rhymes with “Enos”). And this same factoid is repeated once more, in case the first time wasn’t unnecessary enough for you.

My other criticisms are the pacing of the first 15 minutes of the movie; the actors’ dialogue and comedic timing is unmistakably rushed. Also, there is an injury montage where Carell keeps hurting himself while building the ark in the same way, over and over again. This sequence made me want to hurt myself (or someone else). And Wanda Sykes’ “attitude one-liners” miss almost every time, stopping the movie dead in its tracks each time she opens her mouth. But these critiques are comparatively insignificant to the quality of the movie as a whole.

And by the way, if you’re a Steve Carell fan, particularly a Michael Scott of “The Office” fan, then you will love him here. Carell portrays much of his same Michael Scott character, but a sweeter, mostly not obnoxious, non-offensive version of him. In short, Carell mops the floor with Jim Carrey. (I’m sorry; it had to be noted.)

Any movie that recites scripture and has one character telling another character to “repent” is a rare gem. “Evan Almighty” is the kind of movie that you’d want to own on DVD and let your kids watch 50 billion times. I hope this movie does well at the box office and sends Hollywood a message, which is why I would encourage all of you to see it. (The deplorable torture flick, “Hostel: Part II,” unseen by me, was showing at my local theater for only a week, thank goodness. I hope that sends Hollywood a message, too.)

Amid the flood of trashy movies, “Evan Almighty” sails through as a strong, sturdy, floating ark of family entertainment. I got on board; I hope you will, too.

Directed by Tom Shadyac
Steve Carell / Morgan Freeman / Lauren Graham
90 min. Comedy
MPAA: PG (for mild rude humor and some peril)

Copyright 2007.
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