Evan Almighty

A Reluctant Noah

Evan (Steve Carrell) is on his way. He's a successful TV anchor who has won local election to become the next Congressman for his district. He trades in his small suburban life for bigger, gated community life in an elite community outside of D.C.. Driving his Hummer, buying old growth wood cabinets for his new home and generally sucking at being eco-conscious, he soon finds himself praying for a way to make a difference in the world. This turns into a challenge by God (Morgan Freeman) to build an arc. The rest of the plot is pure silly fun with crotch kick and animal poop jokes scattered throughout. A simple film with a good heart.

While predictable, goofy and ultimately a special effects heavy summer family film, I still enjoyed it for a matinee, feel-good escape. I think Carrell is superb shifting from crazy to poignant and sad at times. I think he is truly gifted even if this role leans more to his goofball talents. I also loved the message balance between religious storytelling, the hero's journey mythology and environmental preservation. I must follow with the disclaimer that this preview showing was hosted by my non-profit and Universal Pictures. It was a carbon-neutral film production. Some of the juvenile humor and overt sound score moments I could do without. But I did like some simple moments, when Morgan Freeman's name tag at a diner was Al Mighty or when the biblical reference Gen 6:15 keeps showing up. I'm a sucker for the whimsical and referential. So go see Evan Almighty with the whole family even if you aren't religious, and environmentalist or a Steve Carrell fan. Silly summer fun for the whole family.