Some people seem to dislike Jim Carrey. Ever since he decided to move on to more dramatic projects (The Truman Show, Man On The Moon, and The Majestic), he hasn't been given the credit he is due. In all fairness, he is at his best when he is being outrageously funny. That is why BRUCE ALMIGHTY is a blessing. Jim Carrey is back in his comedic mode here and does his best work since Liar, Liar, which was directed by the same man as BRUCE, Tom Shadyac.
BRUCE is a story of a down and out reporter named Bruce Nolan. He has been dreaming of an anchor spot at his local news station for some time, yet he thinks that he will never be able to get the anchor spot if he is always stuck with the public intrests pieces that he always seems to get. People love him, yet he doesn't love himself. And even though he is in a relationship with someone resembling the beautiful Jennifer Aniston, he ends up angry at God. After losing his job, he begins getting strange pages from a building downtown. He eventually goes, and is endowed with all of God's powers. Hilarity ensues.
And believe me, it does. This was one funny movie. But I do believe that the funniest part of the film came just before Bruce gets all the Godly powers. When Bruce finds out, on-air, that the anchor position has been given to his rival, Bruce freaks out, its great stuff to watch Jim Carrey just go completey insane. It's something that was dearly missed by the public, and, according to the box-office intake of the film, greatly welcomed back.
Although this film won't win any Oscars, but the performances are all pretty decent. Welcome additions are Morgan Freeman as a joking god, and Steve Carell as Bruce's rival, Evan. The direction is pretty standard, but the hilarious scenes make up for it. Carrey gives his best comedic performance in a while, and Jennifer Aniston is adorable as Bruce's girlfriend.
So, BRUCE ALMIGHTY is a funny ride through a normal man's abnormal life. Jim Carrey is at his best here, and we are served up with some great sequences, funny dialogue, and a really funny performance by Morgan Freeman.
Go see BRUCE for some laughs, because you just might need them if your not careful with what you say to God. |
