by Thomas Ferguson

Are you ready for a miracle? I’m always looking for one. Lucky for me, I found it in the new Universal release Evan Almighty. I call it a miracle because this movie was so not on my radar for summer blockbusters. I thought it would be a mildly entertaining movie. It was entertaining and had such a powerful overall message that will touch your heart.

Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) was the news anchor Jim Carrey humiliated on the air in the original Bruce Almighty. In the sequel, he has left his job at the television station and has become a congressman in Washington D.C.. He has moved from New York with his wife Joan (Gilmore Girls’ Lauren Graham) and his three boys Dylan (Johnny Simmons), Jordan (Graham Phillips), and Ryan (Jimmy Bennett). Also along for the trip, his administrative assistant Rita (Wanda Sykes), his aid Marty (John Michael Higgins), and his political stalker Eugene (Jonah Hill).

Evan is excited to be a freshman congressman, but his world is turned upside down when God (Morgan Freeman) shows up and tells him to build an ark. There is an impending flood on the way and it is up Evan and his family to help change the world. Evan is skeptical at first, but oddities begin to make him a believer. His face grows hair that won’t go away. Animals start following him in pairs. He is having a rough time of things. Especially when senior Congressman Long (John Goodman) wants to recruit Evan to help him head up a new environmental bill that could be disastrous to our forests and the animals that live in them.

Armed with an array of building tools, a snazzy Sheppard robe, and a Building Arks for Dummies instructional book, Evan has his work cut out for him.

I can’t say enough about the clever script written by Steve Oedekerk. He truly did his research on the bible and the key elements that made up this remarkable story of Noah and his ark. If you haven’t read your bible or need a refresher course, expect to get schooled. I know I did. This movie was a complete joy from start to finish. Director Tom Shadyac has brought this fun script from page to a vivid reality that is just good clean fun for both children and adults.

It preaches without being preachy. Families can achieve anything if they support and work together. This is the overall message of the movie and it hits home on many levels. Average men can change the world. By single acts of random kindness. This statement will mean more to you when you see the movie. Do yourself a favor and see this wonderful film. A funny movie with biblical creativity. Stay for the end credits. It’ll make you dance and sweat!