This much-hyped comedy has cojones.
Religion, Christian at least, rarely emerges from under the carpet in the films. Christianity played for domestic comedy, not the removed satire of Life of Brian, is way out there.
Gentle prods about the Good Book – everything is 614 – the Biblical chapter that warns of the Great Flood – become more insistent until finally, massive choirs of angels sing the praises of God.
Steve Carell of The Office and The 40-Year Old Virgin goes for broke as an overbearing Buffalo news anchor who wins a seat in Congress. He is well meaning in his desire to change the world, but little does he know crooked politicians are grooming him to help make the world a worse place.
Evan notices this 614 popping up all over the place – his new address, his secretary’s extension number. A huge shipment of wood arrives at his house with a case of old fashioned, hand turned tools.
The God (Morgan Freeman) appears to him and asks him to build an ark. Has to convince him he’s God, of course, and then convince him to give up his free time to do what the Lord asks him to do.
The animals start arriving, two by two, first trickling into his yard, then whoosh! They’re everywhere. A huge, multi-coloured flock of birds of every kind and description follows him to work, the first sign to his evil colleagues that there might something about this newbie worth investigating.
Evan Almighty is a mighty good-natured film, with surprising earnestness. It’s a feel good comedy that encourages people to do good deeds not only in spiritual matters but also in saving the planet.
Subtle and overt messages to recycle, reuse, wire down and live better are pretty much every few minutes. This may be the most earnest movie of all time; it’s green and proud to take a stand.
See? Cojones.
Platitudes aside, Evan Almighty is broadly entertaining.
And that Biblical wardrobe/hair and makeup thing is an eyeful.
Carell is a comic actor who appeals to children and adults; he gives Evan a soupcon of Michael Scott cynicism and a big dollop of Anchorman slick. He’s clever enough not to let the character devolve into either saccharin or world weariness, and instead keep it light and bright.
Evan Almighty has summer green all over it – and I mean box office bucks. Across the board, people say it’s the film they want to see. Maybe because of Universal and NBC’s heavy hype or Carell’s popularity, or its family and earth friendly stamp, but it is headed for Pirates style booty.
Evan Almighty
In theaters June 22, 2007 . Rated: PG
Editor's Note: Visit our 'Evan Almighty' contest here
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