Review of Evan Almighty (2007) by Filipeneto — 28 Aug 2018

Anyone who likes "Bruce, Almighty" will definitely like this movie, which looks like a spin-off, based in the biblical story of Noah. In this case, it's adapted to our time and contains several ecological and ethical messages. The finale is excellent and takes full advantage of CGI to impress us. Since it assumes from the beginning that its a rather irreverent comedy, questions surrounding the likelihood or plausibility of the facts don't apply here. Cinematography is also good as well as soundtrack. Despite this, there is no effort to develop characters, with the overwhelming majority of them representing archetypes more than real people. For example, the movie villain, played by John Goodman, isn't a person with personality or story but just an archetype of the corrupt, greedy American politicians, concerned only about their personal gains. This senator isn't only representing himself but an idea. From this point of view, and since the film seeks to convey some ideas and messages (acts of random kindness, other ecological, human, altruistic ideas and messages), the use of archetypes makes this task easier, although many people may simply think that the characters were poorly developed.

Steve Carrell is a good comedian and does a very nice job in this film, which is a major evolution in his career, that started badly with vulgar comedies and easy jokes. Morgan Freeman remains playing God and becomes one of the actors who best gave life to the Creator in the movies. He can also be funny, but it's a different kind of humor, more restrained and serene than Carrell's comedy. Goodman was good as a villain, in that he made his character into something that was both funny and execrable. This is a good family movie with lots of entertainment and good comedy, that cannot get past "Bruce, Almighty" but does what it takes to amuse the public. The film is funny and can really make us spend some quality time.