Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Companies: Spyglass Entertainment, Relativity Media, Shady Acres Entertainment & Original Film
Director: Tom Shadyac
Producers: Tom Shadyac, Gary Barber, Roger Birnbaum, Neal H Moritz, Michael Bostick & Steve Oedekerk
Scriptwriters: Steve Oedekerk
Main Cast: Steve Carrell, Morgan Freeman, Lauran Graham, John Goodman, John Michael Higgins, Jimmy Bennett & Wanda Sykes
Released: 22nd June 2007
Running Time: 96 Minutes
Certificate: PG
With Space Force (2020-) season 2 debuting recently I found myself craving more Steve Carrell. Having already rewatched The Office (2005-2013) twice this year, I turned to his movie offerings. Evan Almighty (Shadyac, 2007) isn’t a great story or amazingly shot. I however still fondly remember Freeman’s, Carrell’s, and the animals’ performances. So, I took the excuse to rewatch the over 177 different species of animals that took part in the film’s production.
Synopsis
Set as a sequel for Bruce Almighty (Shadyac,2003) with both Carrell and Freeman reprising their roles as Evan Baxter (Bruce’s rival in the first movie) and God respectively. The sequel however has a more biblical providence in its story. With the film choosing to somewhat recreate Noah’s Ark. This all starts when Evan prays to God for an opportunity to become closer as a family. Evan then starts noticing animals flocking to him: at his home, in traffic, even in his office. As well as other strange events occurring in his life such as: seeing the number 614, eight vacant lots being purchased in his name with ancient tools and gopher wood being delivered there and growing an uncontrollable beard.
Meeting God
God comes to Evan and enlightens him to his task. He is simply to construct the ark as a flood is indeed coming. Evan is nothing short of skeptical of this mysterious figure and his as equally mysterious task. He is however convinced when more strange happenings occur in Evan’s daily life. With the mysterious stranger claiming to be God, being able to manifest himself out of thin air, vanishing as quick as he appeared. Evan comes to realize that this might be actually happening. He proceeds to work on the ark with his boys. However, his colleagues and wife think he is undergoing a midlife crisis. Ultimately, Evan is tested if he will persevere, with him having to risk his career and his family undertaking his mission from God. Will Evan’s task bring him and his family closer? Watch and find out!
Family Comedy
Steve Carrell broke out onto the comedy scene with his performance in the TV show The Office. Since he has made himself a staple in family comedy movies. With Evan Almighty being one of the most delightfully pleasant of them all. The movie doesn’t break ground, preferring to be a simple, fun film. However, what it lacks in revolutionary cinematography, or score is an all-around fun comedy with a focus on family and featuring real animals. Carrell and Freeman play off each other brilliantly, their charisma being a standout appeal of the film. As well as Carrell’s proficiency in physical comedy, which made the scenes with the animals all too entertaining. With the animals often stealing attention from the human cast members.
Summary
To conclude Evan Almighty is a great comedy film with a great cast. The film is a somewhat recreated biblical story but with a great focus on family. The animal choreography is something to be applauded, how the crew managed to proficiently and effectively utilize live animals over digitally CGI constructed animals. Which sadly is something modern day cinema is turning away from. With films choosing to digitally recreate animals over working with real ones. Evan Almighty managed to work within animal right laws and practices whilst miraculously managing to include more than 177 different species of animals. That alone is the film’s stand out appeal. Nothing else breaks ground in Evan Almighty, and that’s arguably a good thing. Because if the cinematography or the acting was award winning, it would see to only steal attention away from the miracle that is the animal choreography in this film.
Evan Almighty is currently available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime.
Overall Rating: 6.5/10 – Okay
Links
List
Only Fools And Horses Review – Empire Theatre, Liverpool
Speedo Mick – The Musical Review – Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool
Calamity Jane Review – Empire Theatre, Liverpool
War Horse Review – Empire Theatre, Liverpool
Red Or Dead Review – Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool
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