Reviewer’s grade: C-
Director Tom Shadyac has created a bland mess of biblical proportions in his $175 million follow-up to 2003’s “Bruce Almighty.” “Evan Almighty” stars Steve Carell as anchorman-turned-congressman Evan Baxter, whom God calls upon to build an ark so he can thwart the evil machinations of a Southern congressman named, surprise, Long.
Nothing much subtle “? or particularly funny “? about this film. Carell is fairly appealing as he learns lessons about random acts of kindness and importance of family, but this isn’t much more than a live-action “VeggieTales” film. In fact, most supporting cast members aren’t as compelling as those animated and good-for-you carrots and cukes. Sweet comedy can be quite satisfying, but this offering provides only empty calories.
Consider leaving before the self-indulgent dance fest/wrap party that takes place during the final credits. It’s an embarrassing, desperate ploy to send audiences out of the theater thinking they’ve had as much fun watching as the cast and crew did making. PG
“?Kathryn Jenson White
This article appears in Jun 27 – Jul 3, 2007.