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Is that a llama... with a hammer?

Evan Almighty
(2007)

Tom Shadyac’s semi-sequel to Bruce (everyone important returns, except for Carrey, who bailed a year or so into development) is a damp squib in concept, so it’s not surprising that the result is disappointing. The script was a stand-alone piece that was then bent into shape for Morgan Freeman’s divinity to have an audience with, and influence on, Steve Carrell’s returning newsreader cum congressman. 

The problem is, you can see how the writers have worked backwards from the high concept “man builds an ark as a latter day Noah” but strained unsuccessfully to build comedy, conflict, and a basic structure from there. Far too many montages, a bloated (very expensive) CGI bestiary and worst of all a real shortage of laughs afflict the finished article. 

Carrell’s fine (as ever) and does his best to carry the film, but even with Carrey this would have been a major misfire. It’s telling that the proceedings only catch fire when Evan’s interacting in congress with John Goodman’s nefarious fellow congressman. Ditching the ark completely and having a God-bothering congressman wreaking havoc and God-gifted miracles might have made for a more involving result.

**

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