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Evan Almighty (2007) DVD Review
Evan Almighty (2007) DVD Credits:
Evan Almighty (2007) Directed by:
Tom Shadyac
Evan Almighty (2007) Written by:
Josh Stolberg, Bobby Florsheim, Steve Oedekerk
Evan Almighty (2007) Cast:
Steve Carell, Morgan Freeman, Meagen Fay, John Goodman, Wanda Sykes
Evan Almighty (2007) Released by:
Not available at this time
Region:
1
Evan Almighty (2007) DVD Release Date:
8th October 2007
Our Rating: Extras Rating:

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Evan Almighty (2007) Synopsis:

Steve Carell ("The 40-Year-Old Virgin"), reprising his role as the polished, preening newscaster Evan Baxter of "Bruce Almighty," is the next one anointed by God to accomplish a holy mission in the hilarious new comedy "Evan Almighty". Blockbuster comedy director Tom Shadyac ("The Nutty Professor," "Liar Liar," "Bruce Almighty") returns behind the camera for this next episode of divine intervention. This time, however, his cast grows two-by-two. Newly elected to Congress, Evan leaves Buffalo behind and shepherds his family to suburban northern Virginia. Once there, his life gets turned upside-down when God (Morgan Freeman) appears and mysteriously commands him to build an ark. But his befuddled family just can't decide whether Evan is having an extraordinary mid-life crisis or is truly onto something of Biblical proportions...

Evan Almighty (2007) DVD Review:

When Bruce Almighty proved to be such a successful hit, Steve Carell was essentially unheard of. Even though he had not yet impressed movie-goers with his performance as a middle-aged virgin, and even his uncomfortable take on the boss on The Office was yet to come, many might say it is due to his performance in Bruce Almighty. Specifically the scene as Jim Carey’s puppet was a scene stealer, and Carell has since then become a comedic star of large proportions. Producer and director Tom Sadyac certainly couldn’t have anticipated this success, but he and screenwriter Steve Odekerk take full advantage of this as a way to continue the spiritual fable. Without much effort the story is continued with the familiar, though somewhat selfish, Evan Baxter.

No longer a news anchor, we join Baxter as he has just been elected as junior congressman, allowing for a new plot with many of the same rules. What’s more, the writers and casting director seem to be ensuring many possibilities for yet another installment in the series. At least a half-dozen extremely funny actors have brief roles in the film. The most interesting of these casting choices is Jonah Hill as Eugene, a walking encyclopedia in Baxter’s office. Hill was a memorable co-star in the hit comedy Knocked Up, as well as the star of the next big comedic hit, Superbad. Not only does he seem to be following the same quick path to comedic success that Carell had seen, but both of these films also owe a great deal to Judd Apatow, the filmmaker able to make Carell such a star in The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Good comedy seems to be somewhat incestual lately, and any time there are visible connections to successful past collaborations it usually tends to be a good sign.

Evan Almighty gets far more specific into the bible, narrowing in on one specific story from the Old Testament. Relying on the common knowledge of Noah and the ark, Evan Almighty doesn’t give Evan Baxter the power of God, but instead gives him the responsibility of Noah. Told to build an ark, Evan thinks that his new job is far more important, which is the same excuse he often uses for neglecting to spend time with his family. God, played so effectively by Morgan Freeman, has already let the animals know as well, and they begin following Baxter around, even to his new prestigious government job. As an added act of humility, Baxter can’t seem to keep a beard from growing on his face, regardless of how much he shaves. All of these distractions are as humorous as they are revolting for the image obsessed Baxter, but this is the real lesson God has set up for him to learn. When he inevitably breaks down and starts building the ark he finds that his relationship with his family has vastly improved. This is only temporary, however, because once questions are raised and Baxter is forced to admit his reasons for the large wooden boat everyone including his family seems to doubt him.

Belief in the story or God isn’t required to enjoy this heartwarming family comedy as it has a message that I am certain every family could benefit from, but those who have a personal faith are bound to find the honest dialogue in the script refreshing. It must also be somewhat of a relief to know that Mel Gibson didn’t spoil faith in film for everyone, as I am sure many automatically assumed after his drunken arrest. Just as much as it is a film about faith in God, Evan Almighty strives to be a film about faith in your family and loved ones as well. This makes the movie much more accessible for all, not restricting or trying to limit and definition of faith and love.

The DVD was made in the same light-hearted fun that the film seemed to be made in from the additional footage played during the credits. The cast seemed to have a great time, shown in the featurettes and outtakes as the cast laughs constantly. The high amount of talented comedic actors in the film results in some great outtakes and a featurette called “Steve Carell Unscripted. There are also deleted scenes and many more featurettes including one about the animals in the film. A game for the kids is another clever addition making this one of the few films made recently that can have appeal with family members of all ages.


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Evan Almighty (2007) DVD review written by: Ryan Izay

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