Product Description

Evan Almighty is a comedy for all ages that "you don't want to miss" (Kim Griffis NBC-TV)!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! It's a great time for everyone!System Requirements:Running Time: 96 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: COMEDY/ANIMALS Rating: PG UPC: 025192867422 Manufacturer No: 60128674

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2432 in DVD
• Brand: UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAIN.
• Released on: 2007-10-09
• Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Formats: AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, French, Spanish
• Dubbed in: French, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 96 minutes

Amazon.com

Steve Carell rides the wave of 40-Year-Old Virgin stardom (and a biblical flood) in this bizarre, effects-heavy comedy about a modern-day Noah's ark. The film is nominally a sequel to Bruce Almighty, although it bears little relation to the 2003 Jim Carrey hit--except for the divine intervention of Morgan Freeman, who returns in his role as God. Even Carell's character is much altered from his supporting part in the first film; here, Evan Baxter says goodbye to the news-anchoring business in favor of his job as a naive freshman congressman. When God orders him to build an ark and prepare for an impending inundation, Evan sheepishly takes on the task (it's hard to turn down the job when your hair and beard grow to Old Testament lengths and God wants you to walk around in sackcloth).

Carell gets to do silly dances and mix it up with a variety of animals (real and computer-generated), all of which reminds us of the film's family-friendly tone and the PG rating. The kid stuff works just fine, although the religio-environmental message-mongering makes this a most curious kind of Hollywood blockbuster. When the flood comes, the film shifts into a mammoth-sized CGI extravaganza, recalling the era of overstuffed techno-comedies such as 1941 and Howard the Duck (and not to be nit-picky, but the tsunami-like disaster that overtakes Washington, D.C., looks as though it would snuff out the lives of quite a few citizens). Capable comic support comes from John Michael Higgins, Wanda Sykes, and Jonah Hill, with John Goodman and Lauren Graham filling out stock roles of fatcat politico and loyal wife, respectively. Carell is even better at being sincere than being funny, a talent that comes in handy here and bodes well for his future versatility. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews

"Did you fall in a mine shaft?"
Some plot SPOILERS here.

EVAN ALMIGHTY - more a spinoff sequel than a direct one - is a gentler movie than its predecessor Bruce Almighty (Widescreen Edition), and that's why it's not as much fun. Steve Carell, while certainly a funny hombre, is not as subversive as Jim Carrey. And, without Carrey's very capricious presence, this loose sequel becomes more kid friendly, more wholesome, and quite predictable. And that's fine, if you're in the mood for that. But folks expecting more of BRUCE ALMIGHTY's Carrey-centric comedy will be disappointed (because, of course, dude isn't here). Also, the film doesn't allow Carell, master of the strained expression, to be as funny as he could be. At least, Morgan Freeman is back, and that's a very good thing. The plot concerns God (Freeman) deciding to restage the great biblical flood. Tons of green went into the CG effects, and that's nice. But, still...To get to the nitty gritty, EVAN ALMIGHTY might thrill the young 'uns, but the rest of the audience might find it harder to get on board.

In BRUCE ALMIGHTY, Evan Baxter (Carell) was a minor character played for cheap laughs. Here, he's tapped to play the modern-day Noah and promoted to leading character status. Evan - former anchorman now turned newly elected Congressman - has just relocated to Washington, D.C. with his wife and three sons. Looking to further his goal to "Change the World" (his campaign slogan), he is coaxed by his wife to give praying a try. Evan does so, and his career path takes a weird turn when God hears his prayer and responds. Next thing you know, Evan is being plagued by the numbers 6:14. Then he has a very old-school tool kit and a massive supply of lumber mysteriously delivered to his doorstep.

A hunch leads Evan to thumb thru the Bible, to Genesis 6:14, which turns out to be God's command to build an ark. Soon he meets an old guy claiming to be God. Evan is initially skeptical, but, soon, all manner of beasts in pairs begins to hound him everywhere. Then Evan gets Old Testamenty as his beard and hair sprout to a ridiculous shagginess, and he begins sporting a shabby (but very comfortable) sack cloth robe. Soon he's prophesizing an imminent flood and, even though a very dubious carpenter, managing to construct a gynormous honking ark (thanks to his manual, Ark Building for Dummies). Naturally, everyone - from his co-workers to the press to even his normally understanding wife (Lauren Graham, from GILMORE GIRLS and BAD SANTA) - begins to think him cuckoo. It doesn't look good for Evan, but, no worries. God works in mysterious, whimsical ways...

So, kids will like this movie, and probably even like it a lot, what with the cute gags and the variety of animals cued on screen and the bird droppings and even Evan's uncool dances. But chances are, the grown-ups will find it only mildly appealing and maybe even in the ho-hum territory. The comedy isn't divine as much as goofy and silly (again, catered to kidlike sensibilities). Your finding it funny may hinge on just how much bird poop humor you can stand. However, I did enjoy the fun end credits segment in which the cast grooves to C&C Music Factory's "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)".

The star power (and talents) of Jim Carrey and Jennifer Aniston are missed. But give the actors who are here some credit; they go a ways into making this film viewer friendly. Who knows what God really looks like? I don't, but I certainly buy Morgan Freeman's take on him. Freeman is serene and dignified and amiable and sweet and not at all heavy handed; he hands out his sermons and life lessons with grace. I particularly liked his scene with Lauren Graham in the diner. And isn't it cool that God has a sense of humor? By the way, lovely Lauren Graham is underused but still sparkles in her few scenes. John Goodman is wickedly effective as Evan's political mentor, who happens to dabble in some shady profiteering and land grabbing. Wanda Sykes, sorry, but she's like a rash, just irritating. I did like her comments though when she first laid eyes on Evan's crazy man beard: "Did you fall in a mine shaft?" And then "Did you just come out of a coma?" And then "Were you attacked by a werewolf?" As for Steve Carell, he's okay here. But you could tell he was being held back by the script and by the PG rating.

EVAN ALMIGHTY has its heart in the right place, which I guess is as comforting as saying your blind date has a good personality. It's a decent watch, especially if you're babysitting, and that ark certainly looks majestic. But, ultimately, the story just doesn't deliver enough and is undermined by its overblown CG effects and its PG-rated silliness. The highlight for me is Morgan Freeman's downhome and playful performance, but, then again, my feeling is that Morgan Freeman can do no wrong. With that being said, if you're looking for films deploying biblical zaniness, stick with BRUCE ALMIGHTY or even Oh, God!

I Think God Would Like His Portrayal In This
The idea of God appearing on Earth and beginning to give direct orders to a congressman (or any other politician) is just too much to resist, but "Evan Almighty" takes a different tact than one might expect for a comedy. Instead of it being a conniving little weasel who abruptly finds himself getting marching orders from above, it's an honest and well-meaning congressmen, freshly elected and eager to make a difference, and glad for the helping hand even when everybody around him thinks he's gone nuts. Steve Carrel does a great job as Congressman Evan Baxter; it's John Goodman who skillfully steps into the 'shady, conniving weasel' (no offence to the four-legged variety of weasels) as a Washington career politician who provides the foil for Evan; and Morgan Freeman is simply brilliant as the Big Guy Himself.

It's the way the role of God is handled that more than anything distinguishes the movie. Certainly not a cranky fire-and-brimstone deity here, God is portrayed by Freeman as witty and playful, with a quiet but powerful drive underneath. His faith in the people of Earth is evidenced by his reliance on Evan to steadfastly build an Ark as ordered despite continued (and usually highly humorous) setbacks; the fact that He'd still be so bright-eyed optimistic about humanity in spite of the current state of the world is an unexpected and interesting angle to take.

There are a few times when "Evan Almighty" misses opportunities for more comedic value (it's funny but generally not hilarious), but that's all made up for by all the right notes it hits. Boasting a great array of creatures (to file up and board the ark of course) to give the movie extra punch for us animal lovers, this is an all-round winner, and a unique entry in moviedom. Four-and-a-half stars.

bust a gut laughing with your family, ages 7 and up
we really love this movie; the kids laugh the entire time, especially with the animals; the only moment they got frightened was the flood; I loved the funny parts but was surprised by a really awesome scence with the mom and God talking about how to make a strong family; knocked me over with the profoundness of it, which made me love the movie even more; has a great ending as well; fine acting by all involved