Bruce Almighty (2003)
What if God was one of us?
Starring: Jim Carrey, Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Aniston, Philip Baker Hall, Catherine Bell, Lisa Ann Walter, Steven Carell, Nora Dunn, Eddie Jemison
Director: Tom Shadyac
Running Time: 101 minutes
US MPAA rating: N/AUK BBFC rating: 12A
Comedy, Fantasy
If God's ever using His day of rest to catch up on the latest movies and happens to stumble upon "Bruce Almighty", here's hoping He doesn't get any ideas. Apart from maybe to strike Jim Carrey down with a giant bolt of lightning, that is.
Having seen his "serious" work meet a more or less lukewarm reception, Carrey returns to his roots in this simultaneously obnoxious and overly-sentimental comedy. That inevitably means lots of cripplingly unfunny face-pulling and the undying need to appear in practically every scene, along with a return to working with director Tom Shadyac. Shadyac brought us both "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" and "Liar Liar" and, if you thought those two flicks were a heap of mince, chances are you won't think much higher of this latest venture.
Carrey plays Bruce Nolan, a down-on-his-luck regional news reporter who takes the hump with God after losing his job and seeing his mutt piddle on the furniture once too often. So appeareth Morgan Freeman as the Almighty, basically with the message "let's see if you can do any better". So, new powers in tow, Nolan sets about landing the top news anchorman gig, teaching the local bullies a lesson, and making the wind blow up girlie's skirts so he can sneak a fly butcher's at their knacks.
Despite containing some decent gimmicks - such as parting his tomato soup a la Moses at the Red Sea - this Carrey kick-start vehicle is long and tiresome. The writers show little imagination in giving Carrey some genuinely entertaining ways of using his power, and the acting is poor at best. Jennifer Aniston is working beneath herself alongside Carrey's screen-hugging, Freeman is good only in comparison to his laughably bad performance in "Dreamcatcher", and as for the star - he'd do well to realise that being the loudest doesn't always mean you're the funniest.
It's Got: Jim Carrey looking completely underwhelmed at the idea of coming face-to-face with The Creator.
It Needs: A story that doesn't hinge on growing more and more unbearably sentimental as it goes on.
Alternatives: Liar Liar, Groundhog Day, Down to Earth, Almost an Angel
Summary: Typical Carrey comedy - it's got a few funny moments, but more often than not it's just plain annoying.
Review by Gary Panton
Review Date: 22nd June 2003
External Links
Bruce Almighty at the IMDB
Comments5 Comments |
| It is great thanks for help on film to go and watch it and buy it |
| Comment by:- laura | | 19 April 2004 | ip: logged |
| your review isent very good am at school were doing a review on it and ares it better then that |
| Comment by:- michaela | www.movie-gazette.com/cinerevi... | 26 November 2004 | ip: logged |
| "Long and Tiresome", yup that about sums this film up. This is a one joke film. What if God gave you exceptional powers ? Hello ...Jim is already married to Jeniffer Aniston ! What more do you want or need ? High Point: Every scence Jenny was in. Low Point Every scene Jenny wasny in. |
| Comment by:- Boanerges | | 01 December 2004 | ip: logged |
| It had a few laughs, not Carrys best-> 5/10 |
| Comment by:- Kate | | 24 December 2004 | ip: logged |
| Of the best films of 2003, Bruce Almighty not only tackles the age old fascination with God-like power, but it does so is a thought-provoking and highly entertaining manner. Hilarious from beginning to end, this is a film I highly recommend to those who enjoy laughter. |
| Comment by:- gilletbd1977 | www.thedvdreport.com/dvd_revie... | 12 January 2005 | ip: logged |
