Plot: What’s it about?
Evan Baxter (Steve Carrell) has just been elected as a junior congressman, thanks to a campaign that inspired the voters with a promise to change the world. While Evan was genuine when he promised change, once he arrives in office, he learns that politics are more business than civil service. As he falls into the traps of money and power, Evan finds himself doing the opposite of what he told his voters, but someone is about to step in. Evan is soon visited by God (Morgan Freeman), who remind him about his desire for change and gives him an avenue to make a difference. God wants Evan to build an ark, as there is a flood coming, but Evan is hesitant to believe his own eyes and ears. But he soon finds his faith and begins construction, though he faces pressure from all fronts in regard to his actions. As his position as junior congressman is put in jeopardy and even his own family distances themselves, can Evan fulfill his promise of dedication and change?
This movie cost over two hundred million dollars to produce, an insane budget even by Hollywood blockbuster standards. So why did Evan Almighty demand such a high expense? I have no clue. The cast is moderate, so it wasn’t someone’s asking price, the special effects are plentiful, but basic, and the scope isn’t that grand. As you watch this movie, you’d never think it cost so damn much, as this is a mediocre, forgettable movie. A lot of press was given to the film’s focus on faith, but the movie is still a basic comedy, just with Christian values tacked on. The reason I was disappointed was that this just isn’t a good movie, the jokes are rarely effective and for a comedy, that is a death rattle. Steve Carrell is fine in his role, while Morgan Freeman breezes through his, but none of the stars bring much to the table. I think Evan Almighty is just a mediocre movie, but when you factor in the two hundred million dollar cost, you have to question the sanity of those involved.
Video: How does it look?
Evan Almighty is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. As you’d expect from Universal, the image looks very good and presents no serious problems. The print is in great condition and free from defects, which is to be expected since the film went from theaters to disc in the same year, 2007. The contrast is even handed and never becomes too dark, which means detail is never obscured in the least. No errors surface in terms of color either, as the hues remains vivid and flesh tones look natural also. I knew this would be another great transfer from Universal and of course, I was right in that assumption.
Audio: How does it sound?
The included Dolby Digital 5.1 track won’t disappoint, but this material isn’t that powerful, so don’t expect too much. The main surround presence comes from the musical soundtrack and a few audio intensive scenes, such as the climatic finale. The atmosphere is active when it needs to be, but that it isn’t often and as such, the front channels handle most of the burden. This is how it should be however, as the film is dialogue driven and the vocals are well presented, with no real issues to report. This disc also includes a 2.0 surround option, French and Spanish language tracks, and subtitles in English, Spanish, and French.
Supplements: What are the extras?
The best of the supplements are some deleted scenes and outtakes, which are decent, but unremarkable. Then we have a host of brief, promotional featurettes that range from under two minutes to around seven minutes. None prove to be substantial or all that informative, just wasted disc space. I suppose if you combined them all, you could find a few interesting moments, but these are really not even worth a look. This disc also includes an interactive children’s game.
