Bruce Almighty Review

by Terri Clark (TerriClark4 AT aol DOT com)
December 5th, 2003

Bruce Almighty is a Divine Comedy
by Terri Clark

Are you in need of some divine intervention? A little spiritual uplifting? If so - and who isn't? - check out Bruce Almighty. This third collaboration between Jim Carrey and director/producer Tom Shadyac (Ace Ventura: Pet Detective & Liar Liar) tells the story of disgruntled TV news reporter Bruce Nolan (Carrey). Though he's known throughout Buffalo, New York for his upbeat, humorous, human-interest stories, Nolan's unhappy…about everything. "This is my luck!" he bemoans whenever something, make that everything, doesn't go his way. You know the type. An accident snarls up traffic and this individual takes
it personally. His favorite sports team loses and it's because he likes them, not because their defense stunk. He's the kind of person who looks at everything he doesn't have -- in Bruce's case a position at the anchor desk -- and not everything he does -- namely Grace (Jennifer Aniston), a loving and loyal girlfriend of five years. Bruce's complaints are so fierce and so frequent that God gets fed up and pages him, literally, to an abandoned warehouse called Omni Presents, Inc. Inside the pristine white building Bruce meets "the one" (No, not Neo, that's a different movie). When the unassuming man before him claims he's God (Morgan Freeman) Bruce is leery, but his doubts turn to disbelief when God says he's giving Bruce his command for seven days to
see if the surly skeptic can do any better. But when Bruce hits the streets he soon discovers he's got the power. The question is, will he use his might for right? Or will everyone, including Grace, yell Armageddon outta here!
Jennifer Aniston is quietly charming as Grace, a woman with more patience than most saints. Morgan Freeman's dignity and subtle strength make him a perfect choice for God, but he surprises with some great comic delivery. However, it's Steven Carell who steals the scene as Evan Baxter, a rival reporter who Nolan toys with in one of the film's funniest scenes. As for Carrey, this is far and away one of his best films. He drops his usual spastic stupidity to deliver a hilarious, heartfelt performance. Nolan is a self-centered and cranky man who seems incapable of recognizing the needs of anyone but himself. But a little power goes a long way. You can't lasso the moon or indiscriminately grant prayers without repercussions and it's not long before Bruce is over his head and learning the biggest lessons in life.

Bruce Almighty is so funny it will leave you gasping for air. Although a number
of jokes have been spoiled in the trailers, there are a great deal more that haven't. It also boasts one of the most humorous love scenes ever filmed. Not only does Bruce Almighty impart some Heavenly humor, it delivers a profound message that just may give you a new perspective. If you've been wishing for a divine comedy that will have you laughing from beginning to end, Bruce Almighty
is the answer to your prayers.

<I>First printed in West Life News 5/28/03</I>

MOVIE FACTS

Title: Bruce Almighty

Grade: A-

Rating: PG-13 for language, sexual content and some crude humor

Distributor: Universal Pictures

Director: Tom Shadyac

Screenplay: Steve Koren, Mark O'Keefe, Steve Oedekerk

Cast: Jim Carrey, Jennifer Aniston, Morgan Freeman, Steven Carell

Time: 94 minutes

Genre: Comedy/Fantasy
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Terri Clark ([email protected]) is a freelance movie critic. She's written for West Life News, Moviefone.com, the All Movie Guide, the Apollo Guide and Women's Independent Press.
[url]http://www.rottentomatoes.com/author-5505/[/url]

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