Posted by
Jason Cunningham on Tuesday, July 17, 2007 12:58:02 AM
Wow. Impressive.
That was my reaction to Evan Almighty. In that lovely little land we call Hollywood, finding an accurate depiction of God is as rare as a blizzard here in Southern California. Guess I’d better get my snow shovel ready.
In contrast to Bruce Almighty – a decent, though edgy, movie – and in contrast to my initial expectations (another sequel?), Evan Almighty proved to be a worthy movie in every respect. It’s funny, clever, has great plot points and great acting (especially Steve Carell), and in an age of sometimes-non-family-friendly family-friendly movies, this movie truly is one for the whole clan (a single use of the word “pissed” was the only verbal faux pas I spotted).
Containing no other swearing, no sex, and no violence, Evan also gives a favorable portrayal of the traditional nuclear family, of prayer, and of faith. Most shockingly, but most thankfully as well, Evan displays a rather spot-on theology: Faith is shown for what it truly is – an unshakeable trust in God in spite of all naysayers and all appearances to the contrary – and the overriding message of the movie is that God loves us a hundred percent and only wants what’s best for us – and does do what’s best for us, even though it sometimes doesn’t appear that way.
Granted, this movie never mentions Jesus and therefore doesn’t present the full gospel message, but Evan Almighty is a solid step in that direction. Add this movie to the list of recent Christian-themed box-office successes (The Chronicles of Narnia, The Passion of the Christ), and we are witnessing, perhaps, the beginning of something good in Hollywood.