Review: Carrey A Comedic Force In 'Bruce Almighty'
Film Has Magical Mix Of Comedy, Life Lessons
POSTED: 8:20 a.m. EDT May 23, 2003
'Bruce Almighty' (PG-13)
(out of four)
Move aside, Neo: "The One" who will provide the most entertainment in theaters this weekend is "Bruce Almighty."
After a spate of mostly dramatic roles following 1997's comic gem "Liar Liar," Jim Carrey is back to doing what he does best with "Bruce Almighty." From his broad physicality to his rubbery-faced mugging and outrageous vocal bursts, it's an uproariously funny movie that features the comic genius in rare form.
Carrey plays Bruce Nolan, a television reporter known only for his offbeat feature stories. But Bruce has higher aspirations -- the anchor desk -- and has a complete meltdown on camera during a live shot when he finds out that he's being passed up for the position.
Complaining to God because things apparently never go his way, God (Morgan Freeman) decides to grant Bruce all of his divine powers to show him just how difficult the job is. Bruce doesn't think so, though, at least as first -- because he's used his position as The Almighty to fulfill all of his professional dreams, and take care of some of his personal needs and annoyances.
What Bruce doesn't realize, though, is that lost in his newfound world is Grace (Jennifer Aniston), his longtime love who's more content with the simpler things in life. But worse yet, some of his well-intentioned, but haphazard actions have a huge-ripple effect on the rest of humanity; and, of course, he's got a whole lot of people to look out for and a serious number of prayers to answer.
Apart from his turn as "The Grinch" in 2000, it has been a long time since we've seen Carrey get so wild on screen. The difference this time, though, is that Carrey is free of the costumes and the heavy make-up, so the sky's the limit for the comic possibilities.
But, if you're a fan of his, you know there's a method to his madness that allows the material to take on a life of its own when its in his hands. Whether or not we've heard the dialogue or have seen the sight gags before, it all seems so incredibly refreshing when Carrey's behind it. He's a movie unto himself.
Yet, for as much as Carrey commands your attention on the screen, his co-stars provide a perfect counter-balance. Freeman possesses an enormous amount of charisma as God, often delivering lines that rival Carrey in funniness; and Aniston, while relegated to the "girlfriend" role, doesn't let her co-star upstage her. Sure, the role has a sweetheart feel to it a la "Friends," but then again, that's a role she's mastered -- and it works well here.
Helmed by "Liar Liar" director Tom Shadyac, "Bruce Almighty" truly succeeds because along with the comedy, it manages to teach a few lessons about life without being preachy. While the tone is noticeably different between the comic and serious scenes, its hardly enough for you to lose interest in the movie. In fact, the mix brings a wonderful Frank Capra-like magic to the proceedings. The movie gels on all levels.
In short, anyone who can't find the inspired comedy in "Bruce Almighty," has simply lost faith in movies.
(out of four)
Move aside, Neo: "The One" who will provide the most entertainment in theaters this weekend is "Bruce Almighty."
After a spate of mostly dramatic roles following 1997's comic gem "Liar Liar," Jim Carrey is back to doing what he does best with "Bruce Almighty." From his broad physicality to his rubbery-faced mugging and outrageous vocal bursts, it's an uproariously funny movie that features the comic genius in rare form.
Carrey plays Bruce Nolan, a television reporter known only for his offbeat feature stories. But Bruce has higher aspirations -- the anchor desk -- and has a complete meltdown on camera during a live shot when he finds out that he's being passed up for the position.
Complaining to God because things apparently never go his way, God (Morgan Freeman) decides to grant Bruce all of his divine powers to show him just how difficult the job is. Bruce doesn't think so, though, at least as first -- because he's used his position as The Almighty to fulfill all of his professional dreams, and take care of some of his personal needs and annoyances.
What Bruce doesn't realize, though, is that lost in his newfound world is Grace (Jennifer Aniston), his longtime love who's more content with the simpler things in life. But worse yet, some of his well-intentioned, but haphazard actions have a huge-ripple effect on the rest of humanity; and, of course, he's got a whole lot of people to look out for and a serious number of prayers to answer.
Apart from his turn as "The Grinch" in 2000, it has been a long time since we've seen Carrey get so wild on screen. The difference this time, though, is that Carrey is free of the costumes and the heavy make-up, so the sky's the limit for the comic possibilities.
But, if you're a fan of his, you know there's a method to his madness that allows the material to take on a life of its own when its in his hands. Whether or not we've heard the dialogue or have seen the sight gags before, it all seems so incredibly refreshing when Carrey's behind it. He's a movie unto himself.
Yet, for as much as Carrey commands your attention on the screen, his co-stars provide a perfect counter-balance. Freeman possesses an enormous amount of charisma as God, often delivering lines that rival Carrey in funniness; and Aniston, while relegated to the "girlfriend" role, doesn't let her co-star upstage her. Sure, the role has a sweetheart feel to it a la "Friends," but then again, that's a role she's mastered -- and it works well here.
Helmed by "Liar Liar" director Tom Shadyac, "Bruce Almighty" truly succeeds because along with the comedy, it manages to teach a few lessons about life without being preachy. While the tone is noticeably different between the comic and serious scenes, its hardly enough for you to lose interest in the movie. In fact, the mix brings a wonderful Frank Capra-like magic to the proceedings. The movie gels on all levels.
In short, anyone who can't find the inspired comedy in "Bruce Almighty," has simply lost faith in movies.Copyright 2003 by Lifewhile.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
