A comedy of biblical proportions|Jun. 09, 2007|United States|96 Min.|PG
Genre: Comedy;Family;Fantasy
Description: “Evan Almighty” is a 2007 American comedy film and a standalone sequel to “Bruce Almighty” (2003). Directed by Tom Shadyac and written by Steve Oedekerk, the movie builds on characters created by Steve Koren and Mark O’Keefe from the original film. The story features Steve Carell and Morgan Freeman reprising their roles as Evan Baxter and God, respectively, alongside new cast members Lauren Graham and John Goodman.
The film offers a modern interpretation of the biblical story of Noah’s Ark. Evan Baxter, a newly elected congressman, is reluctantly tasked with recreating the Ark after receiving a divine command from God. Despite pursuing a promising political career, Evan finds himself compelled to carry out this unusual mission.
Production began in January 2006, with several visual effects companies contributing CGI for the numerous animals and the dramatic flood scene. Upon completion, “Evan Almighty” became the most expensive comedy film ever made, a record later surpassed by “Men in Black 3.” The movie premiered on June 22, 2007, and was subsequently released on DVD and HD DVD in October 2007.
Critically, the film received mostly negative reviews and underperformed at the box office, earning less than its $175 million budget globally. Controversy arose when PETA accused the filmmakers of mistreating animals during production, though Universal Pictures denied these claims, insisting the animals were treated humanely.
The story follows Evan Baxter, a former television news reporter who moves to the fictional town of Huntsville, Virginia, after being elected to Congress. Alongside his wife, Joan, and their three sons, Evan prays for an opportunity to make a difference. His prayers are answered in unexpected ways as God tasks him with building an ark, leading to a series of strange and transformative events in his life.
Cast director: Tom Shadyac
Cast actor: Steve Carell, Morgan Freeman, Lauren Graham, Johnny Simmons, Graham Phillips, Angela Martinez, John Goodman, Wanda Sykes, Jimmy Bennett, John Michael Higgins
Original name: Evan Almighty