Steve Carell in "Evan Almighty"
courtesy of Universal Home Entertainment
"God Bless Evan"

Every once in a while a movie comes along that is so sweet and so enjoyable that audiences can't seem to relate to it. Word gets out about how nice it is and this is a turn off for many. Still it is hoped that a solid family film like "Evan Almighty" will find an audience now that it is out on DVD.

"Evan Almighty" is a sequel of sorts to the super-successful film "Bruce Almighty." This new movie is a comedy that combines heart and humor. Steve Carell is as funny as always and when Wanda Sykes is at his side the movie is laugh out loud hilarious. Families should flock to pick up this DVD as it is one all ages can enjoy.

Carell once again plays Evan Baxter, the newsman from "Bruce Almighty." As the movie starts Evan has gotten elected to Congress. He, his wife Joan (Lauren Graham) and their three sons move to Virginia and into a new home. It is in a beautiful countryside locale.

In Congress, Evan has his top aide Marty (John Michael Higgins) and his assistant Rita (Sykes) working alongside him. He has also been singled out as a protegee for powerful Congressman Long (John Goodman). Things are all working out just fine.

Then God (Morgan Freeman) shows up and tells Evan to build an ark as a flood is coming. Evan resists and then animals, insects and fowl start showing up in pairs and following him around. Evan also starts growing a full beard that won't come off when he tries to shave it. His hair also grows longer. This makes things difficult for him at work.

The film becomes funnier and funnier as Evan's problems multiply. And eventually there is the question of whether or not there will actually be a flood. The answer isn't as clear cut as you might think.

Carell is perfect as the put upon Evan. He has the facial expressions and body movements necessary to make the physical comedy moments enjoyable. Plus he has a dry delivery that can elevate the comic lines. Opposite him Graham is a little dry as Joan but Sykes is wonderful as Rita. She has the best lines in the movie.

The film is rated PG but it should have been rated G. I guess the moviemakers thought people would steer clear of a G rated film, and to some extent they did.

Some people have criticized "Evan Almighty" as being too clean to be funny. But clean can be funny and in this film it is. It is also fun to watch - fun and funny, that is a great combination. Throw in heartwarming and you have a multitude of reasons to go see this film.

It is rare you get a family film that is enjoyable for adults and children, but "Evan Almighty" is that rare creature. So don't be turned off by the naysayers who think that if a movie doesn't have every foul word possible in the script then it can't be enjoyable. This is a sweet story about a man and his family and how he wants to change the world. Plus it has an ark full of crazy creatures that steal the show.

It is not the funniest movie I have ever seen, but it is the funniest family film I have seen in a while. So grab it and take it home for a fine, funny night of family viewing.

A lot of people are familiar with Jeremy Piven as one of the stars of "Entourage." Still some of the people who know his name have never seen the show since it is on HBO. If you are a Piven fan, or if you have just heard how great he is on this show you will want to get the DVD of "Entourage: Season Three: Part 2." Sounds complicated but it isn't. That is just the way they divide up seasons on HBO.

The show is based loosely on the life of actor Mark Wahlberg and stars Adrian Grenier as Vince, the actor. Kevin Connelly, Kevin Dillon, Jeremy Ferrara and Piven play his entourage. On this DVD you also get a bunch of extras which includes some eye opening interviews. So get it all when you get "Entourage: Season Three: Part 2."

Surfers have been in style for years but Disney's new hit show "Johnny Kapahala: Back On Board" explores the world of "dirtboarding." You have to see it to believe it and Brandon Baker makes his role of Johnny Kapahala believable in every way.

The show takes place in Hawaii and is the sequel to the popular "Johnny Tsunami," a Disney original movie. Mary Page Keller is seen as Johnny's mother, Yuji Okumoto as his father, and Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa as his grandfather. This is a great cast for a great show. Get it for the kids. They'll love it!

You also have to get "The Jungle Book 40th Anniversary Edition" for your kids. Yes it has been forty years since we first heard "The Bare Necessities" and it still is a great song. On this new two disc set you get the movie and tons of extras.

There is even a new character introduced and that is Rocky the Rhino. He didn't make the final cut but you get to see him in his glory and in the extras. You also get a look at "the making of" and other special additions. So get it today and go down memory lane. With "The Jungle Book: 40th Anniversary Edition."

Gabriel Byrne and Laura Linney star in "Jindabyne," a story with a moral question at its heart. Four men living in Australia go off on a weekend fishing trip. While there they discover the body of an Aboriginal girl. She is dead so instead of reporting it they keep on fishing. When they get back and the story gets out there is a lot of flack about it - including the opinion of the men's wives.

Linney has long been one of America's best actresses and she is at her best in this movie. The story which is based on one by Raymond Carver grabs you and holds you fast. The moral question is attacked from all sides, which makes this a good movie to watch. It is titled "Jindabyne."

Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Nancy Lopez are three of the golf greats interviewed for the DVD "Chicken Soup: Conversations for the Golfer's Soul." This DVD features involved conversations about the game and about life. It is eye opening and heart warming.

If there is a golfer in your family then this is the perfect gift for them. It defines the sport and also defines some of the best at the game. Watch and learn, and listen and learn. It is "Chicken Soup: Conversations for the Golfer's Soul."
 

 

 

 

 

©2007 Jackie K. Cooper

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