‘Almighty’ brings flood of success

One of the long-awaited summer blockbusters, “Evan Almighty” is a delightfully uplifting comedy worth seeing. Compared to all of the heavy-hitting sequels appearing in theaters this summer, this film is a breath of fresh air.

The biblically-based comedy focuses around the story of Noah’s Ark. Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) becomes the modern day Noah, despite his many protests. Baxter is a successful, newly-elected U.S. congressman, who has just moved his family into their dream home in a prestigious neighborhood and bought a Hummer H3 to flaunt his accomplishments.

Baxter, as a freshman congressman, wants to make his mark on Capitol Hill. He is approached by veteran Rep. Long (John Goodman), who asks him to co-sponsor a bill. Amidst all of his professional success, Baxter loses touch with his family and focuses too much on his appearance and job.

His wife, Joan (Lauren Graham), prays that the move and new setting will make their family closer. When Joan tells her husband what she prayed for he decides to do some praying of his own and thank God for his success. Little does he know what his response will be.

God (Morgan Freeman) appears to Baxter and commands him to build an ark in his Washington D.C. suburban neighborhood due to an impending flood. God supplies him with everything he needs: wood, tools and the book “Ark Building for Dummies.” At first, Baxter is very resistant and tries hard to ignore God’s calling, but he eventually gives in when he cannot control the outrageous growth of his facial hair and animals inexplicably start to follow him.

He soon becomes torn between his civic duty and his duty to humanity, finding it hard to balance building the ark and actively participating in Congress. While constructing the ark seems to be deconstructing Evan’s career, it just might be the key to rebuilding his relationship with his family.

This film successfully couples humor and a good message, making it a great pick for all ages. Carell gives a hilarious performance with some of the best being his interactions with the animals. Also adding to the comedy of the film is Evan’s comedic executive assistant, Rita (Wanda Sykes), and his eccentric intern, Eugene (Jonah Hill).

One of the most amusing parts of the movie is Baxter’s physical transformation. The rapid growth of his hair is ridiculous and sure to get a laugh. Rita has some of the best responses to her boss’ sudden hair growth. At one point, she asks him if he is planning on performing in a Bee Gees tribute band.

When his hair gets even more out of control, Baxter tries to tame his look by tying his beard in elastic bands and slicking his hair back. Rita then asks him if he is aware that he has a pony-tail hanging off his face.

From start to finish, “Evan Almighty” will have you laughing hysterically. The film is rated PG and runs 95 minutes.

Grade: A