Evan Almighty

Well here I am again, I am afraid I have been away for a couple of weeks, so whilst I have seen a lot of tantalising trailers Stateside, I have not been to the cinema in a while. I did however make good use of the local DVD rental store, plus the in-flight entertainment whilst on my travels. So if you will be so kind as to indulge me I shall talk a little about some older films and what I made of them. 

The first of the films I saw was Evan Almighty. I was a fan of the first film in this duo, Bruce Almighty, which starred Jim Carey in the humorous lead role, and made the most of his energy and physical comedy. I was courious about where they could take the idea next, Evan Almighty has similar themes, and sees Morgan freeman reprise his role as God, however the comparisons really don't go much further, except in the fact that this is another enjoyable piece of family entertainment. 

The casting of Evan Almighty is well thought through and works beautifully. I was a little dubious about Steve Carell in the lead Role as our eponymous hero. Carell is best known for his parts in more adult centric humor, he has recently played Micheal Scott in the U.S. version of The Office. However he has provide the voice for a number of animated characters in children's films and his physical style of comedy much like Carey's in the previous film fitted the story well. Morgan Freeman's return as God is particularly enjoyable, he portrays a wisdom and dignity whilst still being a mischievous and fun character. Other recognisable faces include Lauren Graham as Evan's wife Joan, John Goodman as the loathable baddie Congressman Long, Wanda Sykes and John Micheal Higgins as Evan's PA and his assistant, and Johna Hill as the fawning office new boy. Everyone of the supporting members of cast keeps the pace and the tempo of the comedy running at a smooth pace throughout. 

The film begins with Evan leaving his old small town life and moving to Washington to fill his role as a newly appointed congressman. From the outset viewers see his character as shallow and self absorbed. When Even kneels to pray the night before he begins his new role little does he expect that the Lord will listen to his prayers let alone answer them so literally. 

As his first week progresses strange things begin to occur in Evan's life, culminating in God appearing to him and telling him he is to build an ARK. Despite evidence of God's power and the fact that he isn't going to get out of this Evan fights his task at every turn. Eventually as in any feel good movie though Evan comes good, learns his lessons and becomes a better person, not before coming across a number of hilarious pitfall along the way though. 

This is simply a fun family movie with a lots of laughs and little to offend. I am glad I finally got round to seeing it, if you haven't already then give it a go.