Movie Reviews
Evan Almighty - Movie Review
“People, the flood is imminent! Get on the Ark now!”
On deaf ears does this stern warning fall from the mouth of Evan Baxter (Steve Carell of “The Office” or “40 Year Old Virgin”), a newscaster elected to Congress, and recently commanded to build a giant boat by the Creator of the universe.
“Evan Almighty” is a feel-good movie, promoting faith and the desire to change the world – which can begin with one simple Act of Random Kindness at a time.
Evan’s campaign banner was “Change the World!”, and God, played by the always-cool Morgan Freeman(“Million Dollar Baby”), decides to take Evan up on that notion. Since God is in the world-changing business, he tells Evan to build an ark because a flood is coming, with no explanation and in the midst of a drastic drought.
Yeah, God works in weird ways.
With his great commission, Evan becomes a modern Noah (see Genesis 6:14 in the Bible), complete with “Ark Building for Dummies” book, a plethora of wild animals flocking at his feet, and even prophet-like beard and clothing, courtesy of the Big Man himself.
No one believes him, and his family and co-workers think his new job and mortgage must have flooded Evan with stress to the point of drowning in delirium. But even in the face of mockery and disbelief, Evan builds the ark.
Steve Carell plays Evan with sincerity. His humorous quirks, especially his little “happy dance”, provide a lot of great laughs. Lauren Graham (“Gilmore Girls”) does her best as Evan’s concerned and supportive wife, whose prayer for family closeness early in the film is answered by all the Biblical chaos.
Not too often does a satisfying hit like this happen. A plump and pleasant movie, “Evan Almighty” allows for humor and excitement while promoting positive family values.
In other words, thank heaven for Evan.
God, I couldn’t help myself.
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3 stars out of 4
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