Evan Almighty Review

Similar in theme to the hit comedy starring Jim Carrey, Bruce Almighty, the recently released family comedy, Evan Almighty, is an entertaining parody of the well-known biblical story of Noah's Ark. Another theme that both films share in common, is Morgan Freeman's role as God incarnate.

Saturday Night Live alumni, Steve Carell stars as a somewhat naive, newly elected Congressman, Evan Baxter, who asks for God's help in making good on his campaign promise to change the world. However, his prayer in not quite answered in the way he expects, when God asks him to build an ark to guard against an approaching storm. The result is a humorous, modernized, retelling of the biblical story.

While Carell delivers a solid performance, Wanda Sykes, in her typical wise- cracking fashion, gets the most laughs with some sharp, sarcastic, one liners as Evans' secretary. Morgan Freeman, once again delivers a strong performance in his role as the wise, compassionate, Almighty. This film also features some excellent special effects as Evans' sea worthy zoo, takes modern day Washington DC by storm. Special features including some interesting footage of the construction of the ark and the training of the real live animals. As a family film, Evan Almighty also promotes strong moral  and family values by depticting Evans family's commitment to staying together through difficult times, and by translating the acronym ARK into  "acts of random kindness,"  as motto for creating positive change in the world.

Although the theme is not very original, and the ending is quite predictable, Evan Almighty offers some surprisingly good theolgy, while supporting strong family and moral values. It is an entertaining, lightweight comedy, that the entire family will enjoy.