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Bruce Nolan is Jim Carrey and director Tom Shadyac's post-millennium revision of their ridiculously wacky Ace Ventura character from the previous decade. Carrey uses some of the same catchphrases: "Alrighty then" when he accepts God's (Morgan Freeman) requirements of omnipotence and "High-ho Silver, away!" to allow his Saleen S7 supercar room to 'gallop'. Unlike his Hawaiian shirt wearing cinematic alter-ego however, Bruce appears to have a soul, distorted but present nonetheless. This concept equates to him being a very materialistic guy as even though his life has multiple dimensions compared to Ventura, it really isn't bad enough to require God's help - Nolan has a gorgeous girlfriend, Grace (Jennifer Aniston is saturated in wholesome American Pie), a decent reporting job for Eyewitness News, and a nice pad in Buffalo. After messing around with the power God has so kindly presented him with (Red Sea soup, blowing skirts up in a Monroe-like manner, and ballooning Grace's chest, to name a few acts of humorous mischief) wouldn't the average middle-class American male eventually decide to help the recurring homeless character who pops up in his daily routine with a meal or two even without God's involvement? Heartfelt inclinations are on the backburner to make room for Carrey's slapstick throughout and one wonders if Nolan actually deserves this special assistance.
The whole phoney premise of the film is the most apparent weakness. Religion as a whole is trivialised by the screenwriters (multiple accreditations should warn you of a rewritten piece) but certainly not in an evil manner like certain controversy seeking groups suggest - lottery orientated praying is a shallow exercise but accurate and representative of any population in Western culture. Like Samuel L. Jackson, Morgan Freeman is seen more than ever of being the token black presence here, ironically in the ultimate part any actor could ever be given. Catherine Bell and Aniston act well as the glamour even if they have hardly anything to do or a chance to create memorable scenes. Steve Carell's Evan is the real stand-out from the supporting cast though, even overshadowing Carrey in the hilarious autocue scene and persuading Universal executives to spawn the Evan Almighty sequel in the process. Carrey is always entertaining and even though the laughometer fluctuates at times, Bruce Almighty is enjoyable fare.
The extras
"The Process of Jim" featurette is relatively short but it's amazing to see the range of comedic variations Carrey has when it comes to saying "Let there be light!" to trigger lighting technicians to light candles in his seductive bedroom. The Shadyac commentary is boring with the director in too much awe of his stars. The extensive deleted scenes totalling almost half an hour are actually quite good and would be welcome additions to the final piece. The outtakes, especially with Carrey eating a dog biscuit, are relatively amusing for a first viewing but they don't have any legs.
The summary
A huge financial success in cinemas translates on screen as a decent live action comedy. A hint of stiffness to begin with but charm does begin to shine through awkward patches if you're patient.
