Evan Almighty (2007)

God contacts Congressman Evan Baxter and tells him to build an ark in preparation for a great flood.

Director:

Tom Shadyac

Writers:

Steve Oedekerk (screenplay), Steve Oedekerk (story),

Stars:

Steve Carell, Morgan Freeman, Lauren Graham

2 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Steve Carell	...	Evan Baxter
Morgan Freeman	...	God
Lauren Graham	...	Joan Baxter
Johnny Simmons	...	Dylan Baxter
Graham Phillips	...	Jordan Baxter
Jimmy Bennett	...	Ryan Baxter
John Goodman	...	Congressman Long
Wanda Sykes	...	Rita
John Michael Higgins	...	Marty
Jonah Hill	...	Eugene
Molly Shannon	...	Eve Adams
Harve Presnell	...	Congressman Burrows
P.J. Byrne	...	Evan's Staffer
Ralph Louis Harris	...	Evan's Staffer (as Ralph Harris)
Arden Myrin	...	Evan's Staffer

Storyline

Buffalo newsman Evan Baxter is elected to Congress with the slogan, "Change the world." He lucks into a huge house in a new Virginia suburb. His Capitol office is also fantastic, but there's a catch: he's tapped by the powerful Congressman Long to co-sponsor a bill to allow development in national parks. In steps God, who appears to a disbelieving Evan and gently commands him to build an ark. Tools and wood arrive in Evan's yard, animal pairs follow, his beard and hair grow wildly, nomad's clothes and a staff appear. Long grows impatient, Evan starts building, his family leaves him, reporters gather, and drought grips D.C. Still, Evan believes. But will he change the world?

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Plot Keywords:

ark | congressman | change | buffalo new york | promise | 

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Taglines:

Why are all of these animals following Evan Baxter? God only knows.

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Genres:

Comedy | Family | Fantasy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for mild rude humor and some peril

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [es] Paramount [fr]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 June 2007 (USA)

Also Known As:

Bruce Almighty 2

Filming Locations:

Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$175,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£1,152,349 (UK) (3 August 2007)

Gross:

$100,289,690 (USA) (28 September 2007)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures, Spyglass Entertainment, Relativity Media

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The ark shown in Prestige Crest was built as a full size ark, with added sections being built for other shots requiring CGI. The frame of the ark was steel with wood effect paneling to make the construction easier and cheaper.

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Goofs

At the beginning of the film, when Evan is praying at the end of his bed, there is a light shining from the left side of the screen. There is also a light shining through a window behind him when the shot changes. Assuming this scene takes place at night, the light makes it clear that this scene was shot during the day.

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Quotes

Rita: Why do you sound like Evan Baxter but look like a Bee Gee?

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Crazy Credits

The Department of Homeland Security's cooperation and assistance does not reflect an endorsement of the contents of the film or the treatment of the characters therein.

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Connections

Referenced in Being Human: Children Shouldn't Play with Undead Things (2011)

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Soundtracks

"One Love"
Written by Bob Marley
Produced by Doug Johnson and JoDee Messina
Performed by JoDee Messina
Courtesy of Curb Records, Inc.

User Reviews

Good religious family viewing

This theme of god's intervention with humans to prove biblical powers and teachings and other schmaltzy messages does not bode well for comedy.

My fellow Jewish Auteur's in Hollywood have again exploited Christian values for a good belly laugh. Steve Carrol has played better roles than this one as Ed Baxter a USA congressman who is chosen to build an ark and become a modern day Noah in order to reaffirm Christian family values.

It is a must for religious families. Perhaps Easter or before Christmas. Not Steve Careels best.

I agree with another reviewer in that it is Mighty mediocre.