“Evan Almighty” (Universal Pictures)
The Best Family Film of the Summer
The sequel to the super-successful film “Bruce Almighty” is titled “Evan Almighty.” This new movie is a warm and wonderful family comedy that combines heart and humor. Steve Carell is as funny as always and when Wanda Sykes is at his side the movie is laugh out loud hilarious. Families should flock to this movie as it is one all ages can enjoy.
Carell once again plays Evan Baxter, the newsman from “Bruce Almighty.” As the movie starts Evan has gotten elected to Congress. He, his wife Joan (Lauren Graham) and their three sons move to Virginia and into a new home. It is in a beautiful countryside locale.
In Congress, Evan has his top aide Marty (John Michael Higgins) and his assistant Rita (Sykes) working alongside him. He has also been singled out as a protegee for powerful Congressman Long (John Goodman). Things are all working out just fine.
Then God (Morgan Freeman) shows up and tells Evan to build an ark as a flood is coming. Evan resists and then animals, insects and fowl start showing up in pairs and following him around. Evan also starts growing a full beard that won’t come off when he tries to shave it. His hair also grows longer. This makes things difficult for him at work.
The film becomes funnier and funnier as Evan’s problems multiply. And eventually there is the question of whether or not there will actually be a flood. The answer isn’t as clear cut as you might think.
Carell is perfect as the put upon Evan. He has the facial expressions and body movements necessary to make the physical comedy moments enjoyable. Plus he has a dry delivery that can elevate the comic lines. Opposite him Graham is a little dry as Joan but Sykes is wonderful as Rita. She has the best lines in the movie.
The film is rated PG but it should have been rated G. I guess the moviemakers thought people would steer clear of a G rated film.
Some people have criticized “Evan Almighty” as being too clean to be funny. But clean can be funny and in this film it is. It is also fun to watch – fun and funny, that is a great combination. Throw in heartwarming and you have a multitude of reasons to go see this film.
It is rare you get a family film that is enjoyable for adults and children, but “Evan Almighty” is that rare creature. So don’t be turned off by the naysayers who think that if a movie doesn’t have every foul word possible in the script then it can’t be enjoyable. This is a sweet story about a man and his family and how he wants to change the world. Plus it has an ark full of crazy creatures who steal the show.
It is not the funniest movie I have ever seen, but it is the funniest family film I have seen in a while. So grab the kids and go.
I scored “Evan Almighty” a watertight 7 out of 10.
