Evan Almighty

Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) is an arrogant broadcast journalist who has just been elected to Congress. After moving into a luxury mansion with his wife Joan (Lauren Graham) and three sons, Evan neglects them to concentrate on his career, but in a moment of insecurity prays to God to help him “change the world”.

Soon after that, Evan is embarrassed as bizarre events start occurring: trucks deliver timber in front of his house, animals follow him two by two, his hair and beard grow wild.
Truth is, the Almighty (Morgan Freeman) has listened to Evan’s plea and has a plan for him: like an updated version of Noah, he must build an ark, fill it with animals (including humans) and save them from a forthcoming flood ( very timely.)

What makes this comedy an intelligent, delightful experience is the fact that it’s not trying hard to make you laugh. All the comedic situations just fall in at the right place quite naturally.

Steve Carell never overdoes his role; he feels equally at ease as an ambitious, well-groomed Congressman or as a prophet with spiders  running on his face, dressed in a hemp cloth robe.

Lively, well written, righteous without being moralistic, the film has the added value of having a serious ecological message – exactly what we need now.
Technically speaking, Evan’s story is well served by stunning special effects: despite many animal trainers being used in shooting it, computersoftware was also emplyed to create or multiply any kind of animal a self-respecting Noah must take on board - from the cutest hummingbirds to  llamas and anteaters.

Strong support comes from the perfect cast, from Lauren Graham to evil-doer John Goodman.
But special mention goes to Morgan Freeman, both ironic and awe-inspiring.
Take your kids to see this film – you might enjoy it even more than them.

Rating

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