Amused

Evan Almighty (2007)

Director: Tom Shadyac

MPAA Rating: PG


with Steve Carell, Morgan Freeman and Lauren Graham

Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) is a Buffalo newscaster who was just elected to Congress. His slogan was to "Change the World". He moves his family to Virginia to start his new life. What Evan doesn't know is that his world was about to change. Evan prays for guidance in his new house and the next morning he begins to encounter strange things. First his alarm clock goes off at GEN 6:14, and then he finds a house warming gift, a box filled with old tools, at his front door. The next weird thing is a truck load of wood is delivered to Evan's house. Finally, God (Morgan Freeman) appears to Evan, and commands him to build an Ark just as Noah did before him, and fill it with animals to protect them against the coming flood. Evan believes he is under a lot of stress and that is causing him to go a little crazy. So it takes a little persuasion from God to get Evan to build an Ark.

It is a comedy about faith, hope and endurance - About listening and obeying God when everything tells you otherwise. God doesn't fail or falter, nor does His promises. The character of Steve Carell is bewildered, bullheaded and agnostic. God shows him sometimes gently, and sometimes harshly what His will is, and that He cares. Baxter is transformed into a person of deep purpose and strong convictions. No one believes in him, not even his own family - Evan continues his effort to build the Ark, and warns of the pending flood, even when he is suspended from Congress, ridiculed by the press, and ostracized by his own flesh and blood.

But God shows them bit by bit what faith is all about: "God: Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?"

The film is peppered with humor and wonderful one-liners, and is just as funny as most of the previous Shadyac creations. The script is written by Steve Oedekerk, an exquisite comedy veteran and creative scriptwriter. It is the chemistry between him, Tom Shadyac and Steve Carell that gives this project its elongated comic breath and believability. Put all the humor aside: despite being a sequel, this movie can hold its own - and has a stronger message than even Liar, Liar or Bruce Almighty. It is highly entertaining, but has some mildly crude language and humor. A younger crowd might not pick any of that up though. Evan Almighty is funny with a purpose, and definitely worthwhile...

Knudegaard Rating:
7 out of 10