- Introduction -
Evan Almighty is the follow up to the Jim Carrey movie Bruce Almighty, from 2003, that stars Steve Carell (one of the Frat Pack, who you might know from the US version of The Office and popular American show Saturday Night Live as well as other movies including Little Miss ... Read review
Even Almighty is a comedy for all ages that stars Steve Carell (The 40 Year-Old Virgin) as ... more
Junior Congressman Evan Baxter, whose wish to change the world is heard by none other than God (Academy Award Winner Morgan Freeman). When God appears with the perplexing request to build an ark, Evan is sure he is losing it. But soon mysterious deliveries of wood and tools are being dropped on his doorstep, animals of every shape and size are flocking to him two by two, and his self-absorbed life goes from overnight success to almighty mess!
Comedy - Director: Tony Dow - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: John Challis, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Tessa Peake-Jones, Gwyneth Strong
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
Advantages: Steve Carell, good CGI, decent enough family movie Disadvantages: Seems to try to be serious and funny, so seems perhaps a little confused
...Introduction -
Evan Almighty is the follow up to the Jim Carrey movie Bruce Almighty, from 2003, that stars Steve Carell (one of the Frat Pack, who you might know from the US version of The Office and popular American show Saturday Night Live as well as other movies including Little Miss Sunshine, The 40 Year Old Virgin and Dan In Real Life) as the main character, Evan Baxter, who was first introduced in the previous movie. This movie ... ...cast) -
Evan Almighty is all about Evan Baxter (Steve Carell). He recently moved on from being a newsreader in New York, to now being a congressman in Washington DC, trying to help pass through office a bill that would allow builders in to national parks.
Within a couple of days of arriving at his newly built home in Washington, he notices strange packages of wood and tools being delivered outside his house, although ... more
- Introduction -
Evan Almighty is the follow up to the Jim Carrey movie Bruce Almighty, from 2003, that stars Steve Carell (one of the Frat Pack, who you might know from the US version of The Office and popular American show Saturday Night Live as well as other movies including Little Miss Sunshine, The 40 Year Old Virgin and Dan In Real Life) as the main character, Evan Baxter, who was first introduced in the previous movie. This movie doesn't feature Jim Carrey, which put me off it a bit, I know he says he doesn't like to do sequels and it did seem to get pretty luke warm reviews but I did think that it sounded interesting enough, given the story, to be worth renting, out of curiosity, so I added it to my DVD rental list and got it this week. Here's more about it and what I thought of it.
- Main Credits (non-actors, which are mentioned further on in the review) - Source:- IMDB (see:- http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0413099/fullcredits)
Director - Tom Shadyac Story - Steve Oedekerk, Joel Choen, Alec Sokolow Characters - Steve Koren, Mark O'Keefe Associate producer - Janet Wattles, Jason Wilson Co-Producers - Ori Marmur, Amanda Morgan Palmer, Jonathan Watson Executive Producers - Gary Goetzman, Tom Hanks, IIona Herzberg, Matt Luber, Dave Phillips Producers - Gary Barber, Roger Birnbaum, Michael Bostick, Neal H. Moritz, Tom Shadyac Cinematography - Ian Baker
- Story (incl. main acting cast) -
Evan Almighty is all about Evan Baxter (Steve Carell). He recently moved on from being a newsreader in New York, to now being a congressman in Washington DC, trying to help pass through office a bill that would allow builders in to national parks.
Within a couple of days of arriving at his newly built home in Washington, he notices strange packages of wood and tools being delivered outside his house, although he never ordered any such things. He tries to send it back but is told to phone the number on the invoice to complain. He is then contacted by God, who, like in the previous movie, Bruce Almighty, is played by Morgan Freeman. He informs him that there's going to be a great flood and instructs Evan to build a massive ark, as a sort of modern day noahs ark type tale. Evan is pretty sceptical at first, thinking that this is some nut case that read about him on Google or something but slowly signs of whats ahead become apparent, with more wood being delivered and animals in pairs appearing in his back yard, then later a long flowing beard starts to develop on his face. His wife (played by Lauren Graham) and friends become distanced (such an unkempt face does not help him at work as a congressman and he tries to shave but it the beard magically re-appears almost instantly each time!). His wife leaves him, worried about his mental state but with Washington currently suffering from a drought, could there really be a massive flood about to happen, or is he simply suffering from delusions and has lost the plot? yup, you'll have to watch the movie to see what happens.
Its also worth noting that John Goodman appears, as Congressman Long, who wants Evan to help pass his national park development bill through.
- Genre -
This is clearly a family movie with visual comedy and a moral side to it.
- Thoughts/Opinions/Extra Information -
This is a pretty wacky movie, with Steve Carell playing a, on first impressions, mild mannered family man, who, when scared or susprised and so on, uses his usual facial expressions to over emote and become this quite comical figure.
The special effects are quite good, there's certainly plenty of CGI used (mainly the animals that follow Evan around, which I presume are mainly CGI), as you'd expect, given the story.
There is definitely humour here, mainly in the daftness of it, with animals in pairs following Evan around as I say, birds covering his office and Evan having to deal with it and act as if everything is normal. Then there are little jokes like Evan being given an 'Ark Building for Dummies' book by God.
There are clearly moral issues or messages being raised in this movie, environmental issues, these being that we should look after our land, not build on it all, preserve ecosystems and look after wildlife.
Its a pretty enjoyable movie that is family friendly, im sure that children would enjoy it for the animals and the CGI and they'd probably find the humour/comedy quite funny. I like that there is the more slapstick or visual comedy but there's also humour that adults can enjoy too, like the dummies book I already mentioned as well as one scene where he has a magazine open on an article about 'the metrosexual man', when he's trying to get used to his new 'look' (long flowing beard and all).
This is quite a sentimental movie and of course it is fairly mushy, like some other family movies, so expect that. Given the family aspect (his relationship with his wife is severely strained) and the moral environmental issues or messages raised, it may seem a little preachy and sentimental for some but I don't think that its too bad, as long as you know what its like and what to expect then you should enjoy it. I guess its true that it seems a little confused, in tha it starts off with more comedy but then it seems to try to be more of a serious movie, so you could ask - is this a comedy or a drama or what? but I think that really the comedy (very light hearted) over rides everything else, its quite amusing with some good dialog and it doesn't entirely treat itself too seriously either, even if there are more serious messages behind it.
Morgan Freeman seems to be quite a good choice to play the 'Almighty' himself, being quite laid back and having fun watching what Evan does and offering some choice pieces of advice along the way. Yes it does try to make you think about environmental issues and so on but it isn't so full on that it ruins the comedy, which is the best part of it, in my opinion.
The character of Evan himself is quite hilarious in parts, its funny where you realise quite how vain he is, with a very rigorous sort of beauty regime, which gets very much upset when he goes into the bathroom one morning to find he's suddenly grown a beard and no matter how quickly he shaves it off, it re-appears again almost instantly!.
- Certificate -
Evan Almighty is rated PG in the UK, due to some mild rude humour and the occasional scene of peril, which may frighten very young children.
- Official Website -
The official website for Evan Almighty can be found here:- http://www.evanalmighty.com/ Here you'll find the trailer for the movie, as well as information on the movie and on the DVD. In the main site, you'll also find information on the cast and crew, a photo gallery, downloads (IM icons, desktops (ie wallpapers) and as creensaver), video clips and features, including games and a quiz onconservation knowledge and so on.
- Conclusions -
This is a decent enough family movie, with good casting. Carell does well as the modern day Noah and there is some pretty impressive CGI, especially towards the end as the fateful day arrives!. Some may complain or may have complained that it seems a bit preachy but I didn't feel that it was anymore so than other family movies to be honest, I mean there are plenty of family friendly movies that have sub plots or messages about the environment, it isn't entirely shoved down our throats I felt and so it didn't bother me. I can see that this is a movie that kids would get at least some laughs from and there's the odd joke for adults too.
It may be a little preachy or sentimenal for some perhaps and could be seen as being a little confused mixed serious messages with comedy but I did enjoy watching it all the same and to be honest, I thought that it was better than I had expected, having noted some luke warm to really quite bad reviews of it in the past. This is a family movie and with that being the case, I think it is pretty good and I would recommend it.
I hope that this review is useful and thanks, as always, for reading!
Advantages: Cute, funny in parts Disadvantages: Too confused with too many genres, not consistently funny
...101 options, my son chose Evan Almighty. His father and I weren’t convinced and tried to sway him but he was adamant and so Evan Almighty was what we went to see.
Director: Tom Shadyac
Actors: Steve Carell, Morgan Freeman, John Goodman, Lauren Graham, Wanda Sykes, John Michael Higgins, Jonah Hill
Cinema Release Date: 3rd August 2007
Genre: Comedy
Classification: PG
Runtime: 95 minutes
The Gist of it…
******************
We first met Evan ... ...at Buffalo TV. Since then Evan has moved on and having been elected a Congressman, Evan moves to Washington along with his family to start a new life.
Of course, Evan didn’t realize that he would be called back to make true on his electoral campaign promise to “Change the World”. Evan fights back when God first appears to him and asks him to build an ark in his new back yard but eventually it becomes clear he is fighting a losing battle and that ...
ally2kc 15.08.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Evan Almighty (DVD)
Advantages: Amusing, good family film, Morgan Freeman, some thought provoking bits Disadvantages: Not side-splitting, some of the minor characters unconvincing
...as a family to see Evan Almighty - 2 adults and 3 children aged 8, 6 and 3. My view will not be as comprehensive as the excellent one written by ciao member ally2kc, but it will provide a slightly different viewpoint.
==== DISCLAIMER ====
I have not seen Bruce Almighty or the 40 Year Virgin or any other films by the director, screenwriter etc, so I am treating this as a stand alone. The thing which was not mentioned in the other review is that ... ...IS THE FILM ABOUT? ====
Evan Baxter (Steve Carrell) is leaving his job as a TV anchor in Buffalo, having been elected as a congressman in Washington DC on a slogan of "Change the World". Pleased with the status, perks and prestige this brings, he drives his somewhat unwilling family to their new life in a seriously wealthy area. The children however would rather have some time with their father, and his wife prays for their family to be brought ...
lobourse 21.08.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Evan Almighty (DVD)
Advantages: Animal-mad kids will love it. Disadvantages: It's fun rather than funny.
Former news anchor Evan Baxter has just been elected to congress. So he uproots his family and moves to the capital to begin his life as a high-flying politician. But then God appears to him and asks him to build an ark, fill it with animals and prepare for an imminent flood. Evan just wants to get on with his career, but God is willing to go to any lengths to get him to do his bidding and by fair means or foul, he means for Evan to build that boat. ... ...the powers of God. Here Evan is taking on the role of emissary of a higher power, so there are no grandstanding tricks for him to play, just lots of pairs of animals following him around and some obvious gags about beard growth. It's more about how the world perceives him (as a religious nutter) and there is a strong and clumsy environmental message that rears its head mere moments in and won't let up. I suppose it's hardly surprising given that ...
afy9mab 04.11.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Evan Almighty (DVD)
Advantages: A good family film, an interesting way to tell a bible story Disadvantages: Nothing new in terms of Comedy
...to the post for Buffalo, Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) has come a long way from his days as a news anchor man. Now having moved his family to Washington in order to fulfil his promise to change the World, Baxter is in for a few surprises. While he gets settled in Washington he slots in under the wing of Congressman Long (John Goodman) to help him learn the role quicker. A chance encounter with God (Morgan Freeman), however, changes his life as God sets ... ...off the lead role of Evan Baxter very well. He adds some fairly silly, but amusing moments to the film that really suit the persona he has built up for himself in previous films and TV shows. Alongside him John Goodman is also very good. His role as the bullying congressman expecting the world from the new guy see's them building up a good on screen relationship that really plays well together.
Then of course there is Morgan Freeman as God. Perhaps ...
Andy.mack 30.04.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Evan Almighty (DVD)
Advantages: Very funny! Disadvantages: Not as good as its predecesor Brucie!
...watched first! So, Evan Almighty wass to be the chosen one, we got it home, and after the scary film popped it into the DVD player, and for 40 minutes were sitting having a giggle at the film, until the DVD started playing up and wouldn't play any more, I wass devastated, I tried cleaning it and cleaning it with no avail, and so decided i may as well cut my losses and take it out. I was really rather upset, despite us (hopefully) getting our money ... ...news reported come US Congrassman Evan Baxter, he has moved his wife June and his 3 sons to New York for his new job, they live in a beautiful house, and his job prospects look high, but his family life is slipping away. But, he has vowed to "change the world" and so afetr a chat with his wife about prayers, he makes one to God to help him change the world. The next day after been woken up at 6:14 by his alarm clock despite setting it for 7am, he ...
stephbond89 03.06.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Evan Almighty (DVD)
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Advantages: The cast, its pretty funny, lives up to repeated viewings (for me anyway) Disadvantages: If you don't like Jim Carrey in his comedy roles, your not going to enjoy this
message behind it, somewhere. The soundtrack is also quite good, with songs like 'One Of Us' by Joan Osborne (which goes 'what if God were one of us?') and 'The Power' by Snap! - get it? so some are somwhat reflective and others are more uptempo and add to the fun, frivilous-ness of the scene its played in, if that makes sense.
There is also a sequel to this movie called EvanAlmighty, which was released a year or two ago. I've also reviewed that movie as well, which you can find here:- http://dvd.ciao.co.uk/EvanAlmightyDVDReview5754197 though I would say that the sequel isn't as good as the original movie and it doesn't star Jim Carrey either (he never seems to star in sequels to his own movies).
This is one of a few movies that doesn't seem to get old after watching it a few times. I saw it at the cinema and I've also watched it on TV ...
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