Evan Almighty (2007) - Comedy

[Mike McVey]

Just saw this today with some church leaders.

I think that this might be one of the best movies that carry obvious God themes and will engage natural conversation about those God themes without being "preachy".

The story is about a man named Evan Baxter (Steve Carell - same character from Bruce Almighty) who goes from being a news anchor to congressman whose platform is to change the world. As soon as he moves to D.C., he is called by God (Morgan Freeman) to build an arc. Evan denies this call but is unable to and eventually starts the arc building process. Evan's family, co-workers, and even the media (with great cameos from many former correspondents of The Daily Show as well as Jon Stewart) find how this call from God affects them and their lives.

The movie is very clean and has a lot of fun references to biblical/Christian themes. I personally like the real estate agent's name, Eve Adams (Molly Shannon). Evan's wife is named Joan and I am sure this is a play on words, ala Joan of Ark.

The best thing about this movie is that even though Evan is not really a believer, he cannot deny the call of God on his life. Evan already has a plan to change the world, but God's plans do not necessarily coincide with them. I kind of relate to this as being a pastor is not my first choice. And it took me forever to embrace my call.

The worst thing about the movie is similar to the worst thing about Bruce Almighty - God is seen as more of an enabler and encourager than creator. God seems much more preoccupied of sending Evan a robe and some tools than someone that Evan is absolutely dependent on to serve God's purposes. It takes more than knowing God's plans to be able to enact them. Part of following and believing in God is to trust him, not just blindly follow and hope for the best. Yet, in spite of this, the movie is very solid.

I would recommend it to everyone in the church.

[John Kennedy]

Just got back from seeing the movie. Enjoyed it. I think the most profound insight that I got from it was that when we ask God for a particular virtue, patience, for example, he doesn't move in and do a massive retrofit - he instead offers lots of opportunities for practicing that virtue.

So maybe we need to be careful about what we pray for - kind of a variant on the old Jewish proverb about being careful what we wish for. We may get it.

[Ryan Scott]

So, you liked it more than Bruce Almighty? Or did I infer incorrectly?

[Mike McVey]

So, you liked it more than Bruce Almighty? Or did I infer incorrectly?

I'm not sure. They are completely different movies. They aren't even the same kind of comedy style. The only connections to the old movie are Evan Baxter and God. I did some research on the movie after we went to see it. The director was asked why the lack of cussing and he responded that the story did not allow it. He wanted to, but the story was meant for "4 year olds to 80 year olds" (my paraphrase).

I think Evan Almighty has clearer overtones to talk about and probably will not be seen as vulgar in the same way as Bruce Almighty has. In a sense Evan Almighty is the family friendly version of Bruce Almighty. And it has an ark, too!

Is that a vague enough answer to your question?:rolleyes:

[Ryan Scott]

Is that a vague enough answer to your question?


Totally

[Barbara Phillips]

My husband & I saw the movie last week on a free pass I won for two of us to see it. I thought it was a very good movie. I would recommend people to go see it.

[Gina Stevenson]

After reading a few of these reviews, happened to catch---during late-night channel-flipping---a couple of reviewers. This one guy said something about its being "so blatantly Christian!" that he wanted to ... & I now don't recall exactly what words he used about its making him "sick."

Tho't, "Good grief! I read some rather good reviews, sounds like one of those rare really good movies, and then you want grotesque stuff, apparently, suggesting this made you sick b/c it may have hinted at Christianity."

Now I'll have to see it, eh? ;)

[Mike McVey]

After reading a few of these reviews, happened to catch---during late-night channel-flipping---a couple of reviewers. This one guy said something about its being "so blatantly Christian!" that he wanted to ... & I now don't recall exactly what words he used about its making him "sick."

Gina,

When I worked as a plumbing apprentice (for 1 1/2 months-didn't quite work for me), the guys I worked with always listened to rock on the radio. Every time a Creed song came on, he would switch the station. Why? Because he saw them as a "Christian band". Because he despised Christianity, he repulsed anything that even sounded Christianesque. I wouldn't be surprised if that was the way the movie reviewer was. For a "blatantly Christian" movie, it's amazing that Jesus never once got brought up. God was brought up a lot, but not the God necessarily described in the Bible.

BTW, I always find it interesting that Christians supposedly have a corner on all Old Testament stories. "The Ten Commandments" was supposedly a Christian movie, yet where was a distinctive Christian thought? Same way with Evan Almighty.

[Gina Stevenson]

Sort of figured he might be a rather antagonistic sort. It was one of those guys who took over the Siskel-Eberts slots, tho' I don't even know the name, since I rarely see it but accidentally. ;)

Gina,

When I worked as a plumbing apprentice (for 1 1/2 months-didn't quite work for me), the guys I worked with always listened to rock on the radio. Every time a Creed song came on, he would switch the station. Why? Because he saw them as a "Christian band". Because he despised Christianity, he repulsed anything that even sounded Christianesque. I wouldn't be surprised if that was the way the movie reviewer was. For a "blatantly Christian" movie, it's amazing that Jesus never once got brought up. God was brought up a lot, but not the God necessarily described in the Bible.

BTW, I always find it interesting that Christians supposedly have a corner on all Old Testament stories. "The Ten Commandments" was supposedly a Christian movie, yet where was a distinctive Christian thought? Same way with Evan Almighty.

[Ryan Scott]

Ebert will be back someday. He just has to, we agree on nearly every movie; I would be lost without him.

[Gina Stevenson]

Ebert will be back someday. He just has to, we agree on nearly every movie; I would be lost without him.

Not sure if this is TIC or not, Ryan; tho't the names changed b/c one of them died. Did I miss something?

[Ryan Scott]

Gene Siskel died of cancer in 1999. He was the movie critic at the Chicago Tribune and had been co-hosting Siskel & Ebert with Roger Ebert since 1975.

Upon Siskel's death, they auditioned a series of critics and landed upon the smarmy Richard Roeper, who worked with Ebert at the Chicago Sun-Times. The show became Ebert & Roeper.

Last summer (2006) Ebert experienced some complications following surgery to remove thyroid cancer. He continue to review movies and write both his print and online columns, but he is unable to conduct interviews or speak in a manner conducive to television.

My statement was one of faith that he will recover fully and return to the screen. Ebert was the champion of the average moviegoer. He was able to critique films from an artistic viewpoint without forgetting that they are intended for entertainment.

Movie critics are notorious for thumbing their nose at "good" movies, which lack artistic flair. I've yet to see a movie about which I disagreed with Roger Ebert.

[Gina Stevenson]

Thanks. So who is it now with Roeper? Didn't bother to recall his name, but I think it's the other guy [not Roeper] who made the remarks to which I referred, tho' I can't be 100% sure.

Gene Siskel died of cancer in 1999. He was the movie critic at the Chicago Tribune and had been co-hosting Siskel & Ebert with Roger Ebert since 1975.

Upon Siskel's death, they auditioned a series of critics and landed upon the smarmy Richard Roeper, who worked with Ebert at the Chicago Sun-Times. The show became Ebert & Roeper.

Last summer (2006) Ebert experienced some complications following surgery to remove thyroid cancer. He continue to review movies and write both his print and online columns, but he is unable to conduct interviews or speak in a manner conducive to television.

My statement was one of faith that he will recover fully and return to the screen. Ebert was the champion of the average moviegoer. He was able to critique films from an artistic viewpoint without forgetting that they are intended for entertainment.

Movie critics are notorious for thumbing their nose at "good" movies, which lack artistic flair. I've yet to see a movie about which I disagreed with Roger Ebert.

[Ryan Scott]

I think they are rotating guys right now. I've seen several on the show in recent months. They'll be in trouble if they can't find an everyman like Ebert to counter Roeper's pomposity.

[Charles W Christian]

By the way, Roeper's review of Evan Almighty begins:
"Oh, my God, this movie sucks. . . ."

Not sure that was appropriate for Naznet, but I'm quoting a reviewer. :-)

Anyway, check out www.rottentomatoes.com for a rather funny sampling of both good and bad reviews of Evan. I haven't seen it -- just the reviews.

I get the feeling that the "blatantly Christian" sounding themes is what is sparking some of the bad reviews in the movie. Also, I heard the Steve Corell (Evan in the movie) is a bit disappointing, but that Wanda Sykes does a good job.

Blessings,
Charles

[Ryan Scott]

but that Wanda Sykes does a good job.

That would be a first. She's a great stand-up comedian, but her acting has been less than impressive. It would be nice if she's beginning to pull it together.

[Charles W Christian]

That would be a first. She's a great stand-up comedian, but her acting has been less than impressive. It would be nice if she's beginning to pull it together.


Frankly, I'm not even a big fan of her comedy -- :0

CWC

[Ryan Scott]

Frankly, I'm not even a big fan of her comedy


True enough. I guess I was saying she's good based on her actual ability. I'm not a huge fan either.

[Mike McVey]

Also, I heard the Steve Corell (Evan in the movie) is a bit disappointing, but that Wanda Sykes does a good job.

Blessings,
Charles

I think people almost always misjudge Carell. He is not a Jim Carrey type of actor. He has always gotten his laughs by playing deadpan style. From Jon Stewart to Bruce Almighty to 40 Year-Old Virgin to The Office to Evan Almighty, he is exactly the same. He's a modern day Jack Benny. The reason why he is funny is because he is able to keep a straight face in every situation that he is faced with. The funnier the situation, the funnier he is.

Wanda Sykes does a good job in that she isn't wild and scene-stealing. I'm not so sure that her acting was so good, but she does a pretty funny job when she is talking to Evan at the ark. Her role is reminiscent to her role in "My Ex-Supergirlfriend". Most of her jokes are pretty flat in the movie, which fits for a family movie.

Just my opinion.

[Walter Thompson]

If I am impressed I will write something if it is a huge flop I will write something as well, in between, well you'll figure that out.

[Walter Thompson]

I laughed so hard. It was very entertaining and had a decent story line. Some objections but nothing worth listing. I highly recommend it.:fav18

[Brad Mercer]

My kids saw it last night. My 16 and 21-year oldboys just said it wasn't as funny as Bruce Almighty. My 18-year-old daughter offered a little lengthier critique that basically came down to finding it both less entertaining and less theologically helpful than Bruce Almighty.

By the way, it seems to be bombing at the box office. Part of the way through it's second weekend it's made $50 million and cost $175 million to make -- the most expensive comedy ever made.

Brad

[Jeremy D. Scott]

I think people almost always misjudge Carell. He is not a Jim Carrey type of actor. He has always gotten his laughs by playing deadpan style. From Jon Stewart to Bruce Almighty to 40 Year-Old Virgin to The Office to Evan Almighty, he is exactly the same. He's a modern day Jack Benny. The reason why he is funny is because he is able to keep a straight face in every situation that he is faced with. The funnier the situation, the funnier he is.

One situation where I found him different was in Little Miss Sunshine. I certainly wouldn't recommend it for everyone around Naznet, but I thought it was a good movie. Interesting plot and thought-provoking themes. Anyway, Carell was a different character in this movie.

[Mike McVey]

One situation where I found him different was in Little Miss Sunshine. I certainly wouldn't recommend it for everyone around Naznet, but I thought it was a good movie. Interesting plot and thought-provoking themes. Anyway, Carell was a different character in this movie.

I can't believe I forgot about that one. Thank you.

[Terri Knoll]

I just saw the movie from renting it. It's refreshing to watch one with my grandchildren! I too like the reference that if you pray for patience, you may be tested to learn it lol. I sure know that is true in my life.
Morgan Freeman plays God so well. I have always loved him from Sesame Street to Shawshank Redemption (one of my fave movies) but I always imagined Gods voice sounding like James Earl Jones lol