Bruce Almightyย will appeal to you as both a kinda-sorta, but not really, movie about God and asking for his help, but mostly as a sweet comedy.
Bruce Nolan (Jim Carrey) is a struggling TV field reporter who loses his job, gets beaten up by thugs, gets his car wrecked, gets into a fight with his girlfriend and is humiliated on TV all in one day. After a rant about how God is picking on him, about how God must have a sense of humor because heโs making sure Bruceโs life is a mess, he gets an answer from the Almighty himself (Morgan Freeman). If God is doing such a bad job, then Bruce oughta take on his responsibilities instead.
This movie is kind of about faith, but kind of not really. For instance, there's no mention of going to church,ย confession or even Jesus. Itโs a light comedy whose objective is first to make you laugh. Secondary goals include the importance of doing good and realizing you have the power to make your life happy. There's no attempt to convert anyone to any sort of beliefs.
The cast and crew have a lot of fun with the premise. Bruce is kind of a jerk, but more of a sarcastic, snarky jerk than an actual bully. He abuses his heavenly powers plenty when he gets them but it's all good-natured fun as the wicked (or those he deems so) get their comeuppance and he gets to make his life awesome. This is when Jim Carrey shines. Witty lines, wild mannerisms and a lot of enthusiasm are guaranteed to have you smiling at the minimum. This is a quick-witted, sharp comedy. The picture doesn't rest entirely on his shoulders. Morgan Freeman, who is genius casting as God, has his share of moments thanks to a bit of a mean streak as well. Special mention, and possibly the biggest laughs of the film come from Steve Carrell, as Evan Baxter. When Bruce gets his revenge on Evan for stealing the job he really wanted, it is comedic genius. You can see why Carrell became such a big star afterward.
Nicely complementing the humourย is the romantic story, the movie's heart. Above someone suddenly having the ability to do anything he wishes is a story about a couple who have started to drift apart. Grace (Jennifer Anniston) loves Bruce, but the support she gives him isn't being reciprocated. You care because Anniston and Carrey have great chemistry. Their relationship carries you through the conclusion which is typical of this genre of film but will please those watching.
There are a couple of mildly racy sequences in this film by Tom Shadyac, but otherwise, this is a solid comedy with wide appeal. You can easily watch with your parentsย or even your grandparents. There are manyย chuckles and some good belly laughs in Bruce Almighty. Its sweet romantic plot might even lift your spirits a little. (On DVD, September 16, 2014)
