Evan Almighty Review

Last night Will, Maura, and myself went to see Evan Almighty. To be honest, I was kind of predisposed to dislike the movie, because it's predecessor, Bruce Almighty, was hysterical and Jim Carrey played Bruce. As a rule of thumb, I usually despise movies that try to produce a sequel without the original character in it, especially when that original character is JIM CARREY (hence my epic boycott of Dumb and Dumberer).

However, I truly loved this movie. I thought it was WAY better than Bruce Almighty. It was extraordinarily clean: no sex, nudity, violence, or cursing (except one mention of the animal: "jackass"). Most importantly, considering the biblical undercurrents of the story, this movie is a COMEDY, not a MOCKERY--that's a vital distinction. While slapstick, wild animal antics, and embarrassing situations were rife, the movie did not mock God, The Bible, Christians, belief in miracles, divine intervention, faith etc. etc. The movie actually portrays God has all-knowing, wise, loving, and His authority as sovereign and deserved. Man's rebellion against God is portrayed as futile and unwise, to say the least.

For those with concerns, (there are some reviews out there that claim this movie is blasphemous because God promised to never flood the earth again and there is nothing comical about vast amounts of people being destroyed in God's wrath). Based on those objections, I would bet those individuals haven't bothered to actually watch the film. I hate when people ruin movies, so I will refrain from doing that. But to ease any concerns, I will outline the general premise.

THIS MOVIE IS NOT SUPPOSE TO BE THE ACTUAL STORY OF NOAH. It is a modern day FICTIONAL tale about a REGIONAL flood, not a worldwide flood. God {played by the loveable Morgan Freeman} calls upon a self-obsessed congressman who wants to change the world named Evan Baxter and commands him to build an ark to save the region.

Beneath the silliness exists some tender, wonderfully beautiful moments that capture the essence of family unity, sacrifice, obedience (even when it makes you look crazy), mercy, justice and God's superior wisdom, authority, and discipline motivated by His LOVE for mankind. Needless to say, Maura and I cried like the sentimental saps that we are. Obviously, I wouldn't look to a Hollywood comedy for perfect theology, but I found the message inspiring.

Anyway, I recommend it. I think kids and adults alike will enjoy this movie and possibly engage in meaningful dialogue as a result.