It’s been a long time since I reviewed a movie around here, huh? That always happens at the beginning of a new TV season – I spend so much time checking out the new shows that I don’t really have time to watch a movie. However, now that I’ve bumped a good portion of TV shows off my viewing list, my Friday and Sunday nights are pretty much open for movie-watching.
Last night we watched “Evan Almighty”, starring Steve Carrell as a modern-day Noah in the sequel to Jim Carrey’s “Bruce Almighty.” I don’t know that I’d call it a sequel though, since Steve Carrell’s character doesn’t resemble AT ALL the exact same character he played in the original. So if you liked the bombastic arrogant Evan Baxter from “BA,” you may find that disappointing.
From a product description at Amazon.com:
Everyone’s favorite funnyman Steve Carell is at his hilarious best as junior congressman Evan Baxter, whose wish to “change the world” is heard by none other than God (Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman). When God appears with the perplexing request to build an ark, Evan is sure he is losing it. But soon mysterious deliveries of wood and tools are being dropped on his doorstep, animals of every shape and size are flocking to him two by two, and his self-absorbed life goes from overnight success to almighty mess!
I already knew going into the viewing that it got lousy reviews, so I tempered my expectations. And I think that helped – sure there were some really hokey overly-sappy bits and you could see the “message” of the movie from miles away, but Carrell carried it off nicely (although at one point he accidently channeled his character from “The Office,” but since it was funny I forgave it).
It’s definitely a family friendly movie. I honestly don’t remember hearing a single curse word or any overly-crude jokes. It was just good family fun. Were the kids a bit older, I think they’d really enjoy it, too.
If you haven’t seen it yet, definitely think about renting it.
3 1/2 spitting alpacas out of five.