Mr. Noah Goes to Washington? Well, not exactly. Noah kind of comes to Evan Baxter.

 

Baxter (Steve Carell), a newsman-turned-congressman, wants to change the world. But this is a big job and his wife, Joan (Lauren Graham), suggests that he pray for help. He takes her advice and asks God for help.

 

But God (Morgan Freeman) answers in a way Baxter could have never even imagined. God asks Baxter to build an ark because a flood is coming. God kindly prepares “Noah” for the task. Ancient carpentry tools and loads of wood are delivered straight to the Baxter home. And it seems Baxter is quite the animal man—creatures of all kinds follow him everywhere (of course, two by two).

In the end the reason for the flood, a faulty dam breaking, is quite different than why God (the real one) used it the first time. But Evan Almighty is a creative, funny, enjoyable film. And even with the liberties the writers took on this story, they did include some basic truths.

 

Baxter learns firsthand that God is everywhere. He also faces the fact that God is truly the one in control. God has a good laugh when Baxter tells Him he has a plan. 

 

I also appreciated the explanation about prayer. We are reminded that when we pray for things, such as patience, God doesn’t always just give us what we ask for. He creates ways for us to develop what we’ve asked for. For example, Joan prayed that their family would become closer. God’s ark project helped them have better relationships.

 

Believe me, I understand that some of you might be hesitant to see a comedy based on a Bible story. But let me assure you. Although Evan Almighty is super fun and funny, it doesn’t make fun (the preview for The Simpson’s Movie was actually irreverent…don’t look for a review of that here).

 

And Evan Almighty doesn’t have the moral issues depicted in the first film, Bruce Almighty (though I appreciated Bruce’s change of heart). And even though some license was taken to create this funny film, we can still glean from it life-changing truths.  

 

One last thing, during one part of the movie for just a moment I thought about the real Noah and the faith he had to do what God called him to do. I have even more respect for him now.

 

This film is rated PG and should be appropriate for viewers of all ages.