It’s pretty much a given that when Hollywood deals with religion in a movie, the result is going to be run-of-the-mill, 1st-grade philosophy and flavor-of-the-day proselytizing.
Such is the case with “Evan Almighty,” a repulsive bit of non-denominational sermonizing that’s wrapped itself in the cloak of mass appeal.
Many might argue there isn’t enough religion in today’s movies. Others would say there’s entirely too much, particularly the brand promoted in “Evan Almighty,” which is the “pick the best parts and toss out all the stuff you don’t like” variety.
In the movie, God (Morgan Freeman) appears before successful, just-elected New York Congressman Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) and tells him to build an ark to prepare for a flood, which casts him in the obvious role of Noah and initially makes a fool of him. His wife Joan (Lauren Graham), fellow Congressman Long (John Goodman), chief of staff Marty (John Michael Higgins) and office manager Rita (Wanda Sykes) all think he’s completely out of his mind.
Frankly, Evan is out of his mind, at least if reality were any concern here. It’s one thing to speak to God. It’s another thing when God speaks back. One of two things happens when God talks: Either we’re wrestled to the ground and dragged off to an asylum or we start a war in Iraq.
Because the film so blithely disregards the intelligence of its audience, theists could rightly argue they’re all being characterized as idiots. For example, despite Joan’s incredulousness, she takes all of two seconds to decide Evan can build his ark. Evan does so, with the help of his three kids, and they produce a frame for a boat the size of the QE2 in about a week.
This film poses a battle between faith and reason, and reason gets body-slammed through the floor, just like it’s been getting abused for the last, oh, seven years.
“Evan Almighty” tries to include a little piety for everyone. When director Tom Shadyac takes time to show Evan’s Hummer being swept asunder in the flood, we know that we’re being slapped on the hand for our material natures. When Long is finally put down for exploiting public lands for personal gain, it’s the environmentalists’ turn to judge. Given that these points about excess are being made by a film that cost $175 million, I wanted to vomit.
After seeing this movie, religious liberals and conservatives can join hands or lock lips because there’s just no damn way anybody could disagree with the importance of love and acts of random kindness (A.R.K.).
Unfortunately, the main thing that “Evan Almighty” conveys to me is that religion and stupidity go together like peanut butter and jelly.
Worse than: “Bruce Almighty”
Better than: “DOA: Dead or Alive”
Evan Almighty
(4 BOMBS) WILL REQUIRE THERAPY AFTER VIEWING
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mrcranky.com
