Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Tom Shadyac, Universal Pictures, PG 96 Minutes.
Following his considerable success with ‘Bruce Almighty’ in 2003 which featured Morgan Freeman and Steve Carrel, Tom Shadyac returns to direct this funny fantasy sequel of a Congressman being asked by God to build a modern day ark.
At the end of his stint as a news reporter Evan Baxter (Carell) is then elected to Congress and declares his intention in “changing the world” prior to praying to God to grant him such an opportunity.
Apart from meeting his staff, Marty (John Higgins – ‘Yes Man’) and Rita (Wanda Sykes – ‘Bad Moms’) Evan is introduced to leading Congressman Chuck Long (John Goodman – ‘Gigantic’) just prior to a crate arriving at his home containing some building materials.
This is followed by Evan’s encounter with God (Freeman) who asks him to build a wooden ark only to later see that a large number of animals have appeared and find he cannot shave off his beard.
Evan is even more surprised to learn that the vacant land in his neighbourhood has now been purchased in his name and some ancient tools including a significant quantity of wood has been sent to his home.
When God reappears and convinces Evan to start building a replica of Noah’s ark in preparation for an expected flood that is to occur shortly, Evan together with his wife and three sons begin to build the ark.
Meanwhile Congressman Long has had a dam built by cutting corners as Evan now with a white beard starts loading the ark with hundreds of animals in the front of news crews and spectators – just as the dam suddenly bursts.
Apart from saving people in the assembled crowd the flood spoils long’s long-standing plan
Although Shadyac’s ‘Bruce Almighty’ is considered slightly better than his sequel there is still an underlying religious theme running through each movie as both lead characters, Bruce and Evan, uphold having a direct interaction with God.
In some ways Shadyac has spun a more entertaining storyline with a pleasing cast – especially from Sykes’ portrayal – with everyone contributing to the enjoyable performances of Carell and Morgan.
Vic’s Verdict: 3 ½ Stars
Evan Almighty is to be televised on Channel 9GO at 5.30pm on Saturday 11 December.
