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.
Directed by
Tom Shadyac
Written by
Steve Oedekerk (screenplay); Steve Oedekerk (story); Joel Cohen (story); Alec Sokolow (story); Steve Koren (characters); Mark O'Keefe (characters).
Starring
Steve Carell (Evan Baxter); Morgan Freeman (God); Lauren Graham (Joan Baxter); Johnny Simmons (Dylan Baxter); Graham Phillips (Jordan Baxter); Jimmy Bennett (Ryan Baxter); John Goodman (Congressman Long); Wanda Sykes (Rita); John Michael Higgins (Marty); Jonah Hill (Eugene); Molly Shannon (Eve Adams); Harve Presnell (Congressman Burrows); P.J. Byrne (Evan's Staffer); Ralph Louis Harris (Evan's Staffer (as Ralph Harris)); Arden Myrin (Evan's Staffer). Please contact SFC to add other cast members and characters.
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A good film that kids will enjoy and take heart from
Mark Banks (United Kingdom)
Opinion: Recommended
Evan Almighty is billed as a comedy, but truth be told isn't actually that funny. However - and it's a big however - there is a good-hearted story as its core, the production effects are very well done, and it's both pro-family and pro-God. What's more, whilst it may not go down as a family classic, it is a film that children will watch, and I would hope enjoy. And for a production that puts faith and God square on in the middle of the frame that, I believe, is a good thing. There are a couple of questionable pieces of dialogue in the script - we are told for instance that God doesn't give us courage, patience etc per se, but rather the opportunities to be courageous, patient etc, which is a bit flimsy, and by default discounts the need for prayer in a challenging situation one is already presented with. And there is a also a repeated reminder that all that's needed to change the world is one small random act of kindness at a time, which also is flaky and not in accordance with Christ's true teachings. It's also not consistent with the character of Evan who gives up his whole life to follow God's instructions. And putting the commendable environmental sub-plot aside, the message to follow God's prompting in your life, no matter the cost to your ego, career or human relationships is indeed the central message of this film. For its potential to encourage and engage children with subjects faith-related, I recommend this film widely.