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Evan Almighty [2007]
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The focus of Evan Almighty switches to Carell’s Evan Baxter, last seen as a newsreader but now an elected official, who is chosen by God (Freeman) to build a new ark. And this ark needs, as you’d expect, to hold two of each species on the planet. Naturally, all the people around Evan think he’s gone mad, and this proves a healthy comedy mine that’s well exploited. Evan Almighty isn’t without a few problems, though. The focus of the film isn’t always tight enough on generating the laughs, and Carell is surprisingly under-used. He’s on form when the material allows him to shine, but its often (admittedly impressive) special effects that end up taking centre stage, an odd road to choose for a comedy. That said, Evan Almighty is still an enjoyable family comedy, and it’s not without rewatch value. It’s a fun little movie, and one that deserves extra credit for promoting Carell to top billing--that's a move long overdue. --Jon Foster
RRP: £9.99
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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
Giving Steve Carell a long-overdue leading role in a mainstream Hollywood comedy, Evan Almighty is the sequel to the huge Jim Carrey hit Bruce Almighty. And while Carrey isn’t on the cast list this time round, director Tom Shadyac and Morgan Freeman are among the many returnees.
A lovely comedy - I chuckled a great deal!
Review date: 2008-10-26 Rating: 8 out of 10
I was reluctant to watch this file as I thought that it might be similar to Bruce Almighty - fortunately my fears were quickly laid to rest. I found this film to be a lovely, gentle comedy and really great entertainment on a wet Sunday afternoon. What I loved about it was the script's complete awareness of the absurdity of the situation - a US politician (Steve Carell) told by God (Morgan Freeman)to build an ark, well in land and with no rain in sight - I winced with embarrassment for him more than once as the story unfolded, and yet at the same time I chuckled into my cocoa.
I don't think this proports to be an amazing film, and the ending is fairly predictable right from the start, but it is a happy, feel-good film and worth watching. I heartily recommend it.
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Reviews
Not nearly funny enough
Review date: 2008-10-03 Rating: 4 out of 10
Steve Carrell has had a rapid and deserved rise to fame with his relaxed but incisive comedy style. Sadly his many skills are not enough to save this lumbering mess. High on quasi-religious sentimental hockum and low on laughs (unless you like bird poo gags), the film is a tedious ramble through predictable and uninteresting territory. The story never quite works, and the script is lazy and unimaginative. This might suit church-going middle America, but it raised only a few half-hearted chuckles in our house.
God Bless God
Review date: 2008-08-27 Rating: 8 out of 10
Evan Baxter is a freshman in Congress, keen to get on, with a devoted wife and three sons. (A wife and three sons, that rings a bell...) He has been elected on the ambitious ticket, `Change the World!' Mrs Baxter tells her husband one night that she has prayed for their family, and suggests that if he is serious about changing the world, then maybe he should get praying too. It's touching to watch this tireless and not particularly godly pursuer of the American dream get down onto his knees and appeal to his Creator. He clumsily finishes his prayer, "God bless."
The next day, God (an impeccably cool Morgan Freeman) takes him up on his offer of partnership. Prayer, it seems, can be a dangerous activity. Wood arrives, together with tools and then animals. Evan slowly twigs that he is being called to be a second Noah. He runs away from his new vocation as fast as he can; in fact, this story is less about Noah than Jonah, the most reluctant prophet in the Bible. Eventually Evan turns around and embraces his calling, which is too much for his family to bear. "Unless you love me more than these..." He is left to work at building an ark on his own. I won't give away the rest of the story (of course there is a happy ending) - suffice it say that this is not a flood sent by an angry God to destroy the world, but rather an ark sent by a loving one to save it.
We live in a secular society, and if you see life that way, a film such as this will of course have nothing to say to you, although it might resonate with parts of your psyche that you ignore on a day-to-day basis. This describes the Evan that begins this film rather well. "Why me?" he asks God in despair at one point. "You prayed to change the world," points out God reasonably. "And how do I get started on that?" implores Evan. "You start with an act of random kindness," says God. Act of Random Kindness - now what does that abbreviate to? I would say this film is required viewing for any would-be prophets amongst us (and if you are a Christian, are you not automatically a potential prophet or prophetess?)
The Independent used the following in its review; "Lots of evangelical schmaltz and cute animals instead of a story, and some silly dances and bird poo in place of jokes." Okay, we concede on the bird poo. But `evangelical schmaltz' - if you don't believe in God, then of course, that is what this is. But if you do believe in God, then the theology on offer here makes perfect sense, and indeed, is rather profound in places. And as for the silly dances, I think The Indie should lighten up a little. (They know the dances are silly!)
Pure Comedy!
Review date: 2008-07-31 Rating: 10 out of 10
"Evan Almighty" is an entertaining flick in which a U. S. Congressman, played by Steve Carell, who is personally contacted by God, (aren't they all), portrayed by Morgan Freeman, who instructs him to build an Ark. That is the unusual part. John Goodman is excellent in a supporting role as the Committee Chairman who tries to use Evan's vote until Evan finally gets too weird for the Chairman's taste. Laugh your way through the rest of the movie while Evan gradually and reluctantly accepts his fate and deals with its bizarre demands. This is a great movie for anyone looking for 96 minutes of pure comedy.
Wonderful, funny and a joy to watch
Review date: 2008-06-23 Rating: 8 out of 10
I love this thoroughly enjoyable romp, I've been looking forwards to watching this for sometime now and it did not disappoint.
Steve Carell reprises his role of Evan Baxter in Bruce Almighty and is excellent, but not as full on as he can be, for me that did not matter in this film, good solid support is provided by Lauren Graham and John Goodman, plus the wonderful if under used Morgan Freeman as God.
You could say by the end of the film that this is not about saving animals at all, I'd say it's more about discovering things about yourself and becoming a better person, but regardless there are plenty of laughs to be had, the animals look fantastic, a good solid story line, the laughs tale off a bit over the last 20 minutes or so, but there's enough going on to keep you watching.
Overall a fine effort, great to watch as I'm sure I'll be doing time and time again.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
John Michael Higgins
Wanda Sykes
Jimmy Bennett
Steve Carell
Jonah Hill
Creators:
Wanda Sykes (Primary Contributor)
John Michael Higgins (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Universal Pictures UK
Manufacturer: Universal Pictures UK
EAN: 5050582524246
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2008-11-26
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 91 minutes
Language: English (Original Language)