Bruce Almighty [2003]

A review by Ben A. Burgess

Synopsis: Bruce is down on his luck. His job has hit a dead end, his life isn't going to plan and his dog just can't seem to get the hang of going to the bathroom. So what's going wrong?  The answer is simple, God is getting a kick out of his failure.

Throwing down the gauntlet Bruce challenges god to smite him, although what he gets is more than he ever bargained for. Hilarity ensues as Bruce becomes endowed with the powers of the almighty himself.

Review: After what seemed like an eternity away from any major Blockbusters Carey returns in the film that knocked 'The Matrix Reloaded' off the US top spot after just one week in the charts. He plays Bruce, a down on his luck news reporter who suddenly finds himself with the powers of god and from the minute the movie rolls it is apparent that he is as electric as ever. Managing to suppress the energy required for previous roles he pulls off the character extremely well. This is the Jim Carey we saw in 'The Truman Show,' hilariously funny while still knowing the exact moments to be poignant and reflective. However, it is still essentially a Carey movie, but those expecting to find Ace Ventura in the role will be hard pressed to find many similarities.

So what of the other cast members? Jennifer Aniston appears in yet another movie as Rachel from Friends and fans of the series will find it damn near impossible to see anybody else on the screen. Having said that, however, the role is fitting to the plot and the chemistry between herself and Carey is, while not astounding, somewhat believable. Although, as ever, Carey is a one man show, these films are his own and he'll be damned if you're going to leave the cinema with anybodies face but his in your minds. He makes a credible job of this for 'Bruce Almighty' and his role is just different enough to make it seem fresh to the fans.

Perhaps the best and most interesting role in the film, however, is Morgan Freeman's God. Deliberately ambiguous, always supportive, sometimes sarcastic and always wickedly witty, Freeman adds an unidentifiable quality to the role. His talent and magic as an actor have always made his roles extremely easy to watch and this one is no exceptation. Reminiscent of the all knowing, all seeing 'Red' in 'The Shawshank Redemption' he is always around to point out Bruce's mistakes, making it quite obvious that he is getting things wrong and making a mess of the job that has been given to him. Koren and O'Keefe have written an absolute gem of a role with dialogue to match and Freeman runs with it consistently throughout.       

As ludicrous as ever the film takes a stroll down the lane of 'the comedy with a serious meaning'. Aside from being an easy-watching, laugh-a-minute comedy flick it also has some serious religious and faith based undertones designed to make an audience think. Am I alone in the universe? Should I trust god more? Should I accept my shitty life just because I'm insignificant in a universe of millions? These are all questions the makers of this film want you to leave the cinema discussing. The truth of the matter, however, is that you'll forget these as soon as the films over in favour of remembering that hilarious moment when Bruce goes insane into the news camera or reminiscing other good moments with your friends. Comedies with morals rarely work and this is no exceptation. But what about the comedy itself?

The humour in this film never falters and if you're a fan of Carey you'll be laughing from the opening titles until the final credits role. In terms of his work this rates up their with the best of them. I'm even inclined to say that his 'more tame' performance in this film may also attracted audiences which hated the previous Ace Venture roles. It is obvious that the man is back at his peak and enjoying every minute of it. As well as his usual wit he also brings even more physical comedy to the screen, reprising the 'Clint Eastwood' role used in many of his early stand-up routines on Saturday Night Live amongst others. The fantastically witty god portrayed by Freeman also provides a few good laughs, especially at Bruce's expense.

Overall, therefore, any Carey fan should rush out now and see this movie as should comedy fans in general. If you don't like the usual Carey, physical comedy films the chances are you're still going to like this movie simply because of its killer wit and fantastic plot. The moral of this review? See this film if you're up for a few laughs even though the intended poignancy is as see-thru as  my own bedroom window.      

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