Bruce Almighty
reviewed by Brian "the Naked Gun" Felts & Benn "Where's the Humanity" Farrell

Very rarely do movies make me stop and think about things, or make me associate its events with my own personal life. In fact, Benn will tell, you most of the movies in my movie collection don't require thinking at all. I suppose he would be talking about my "Naked Gun" collection, my Arnold Swarzenegger library or my Ace Ventura films. Which brings me to Jim Carrey. I fully believe, within the next 10 years, we will be speaking of Carrey like we speak of Robin Williams. I think he did an exceptional job in this movie, which I like a lot. However, that may be since it hit me on a personal level.

Carrey (The Majestic) stars as Bruce Nolan, reporter for a TV station in Buffalo, NY, who is skipped over for the anchor position for an ass-kisser named Evan. He learns of this while about to give a live remote report from Niagara Falls and proceeds to go ballistic on the air. He loses his job, obviously, and blames God for all his problems. This causes an argument between him and his girlfriend Grace, played by the ever so beautiful Jennifer Aniston (TV's Friends).

Well, God, played by one of my favorite actors Morgan Freeman (Shawshank Redemption), gets tired of Bruce blaming him for everything. As a result, he gives Bruce his powers for a time. So, Bruce gets God's powers and hilarity ensues. However, there is also heartache, for Bruce is not aware of the effect changes he makes have on other people. You will know what I mean when you watch it.

The biggest challenge comes when Grace finds Bruce in the arms of another woman at a party thrown by the station manager. Grace leaves Bruce and moves out and sends her sister over to collect her things. Here Bruce finds out that Grace prays to God every night. So, Bruce goes to the computer--you will see why in the movie, sees Grace starting to pray, and since he is God, goes to where she is and watches, listening to her prayer from outside her window. This is the scene that struck a nerve in me. What Grace prays for is surprising for a male, and probably all to real for women. I wont tell you what she prays for, because you need to see the movie if you haven't.

The only problem I have with the movie being--I mean a small only, the ending is too Hollywood. Reality would not allow the story to end this way, which is unfortunate for all of us guys who have f**ked up with their girl, hoping for another chance. The acting is great, especially by Freeman and Carey. The writing is believable, and director Tom Shadyac (Liar Liar, Patch Adams) does another wonderful job. Watch this movie. Its great, funny and a lesson can be learned if you are paying attention. I learned one, and I thought I knew everything.

Brian-The Naked Gun

I must admit, I liked "Bruce Almighty" in the theater, and now that it's on DVD, I enjoy it even more. After seeing it in the theater, I knew there were scenes deleted. There were obvious holes in Bruce and Grace's troubled relationship, which at one point I asked, "Why is she mad at him? I thought everything was okay."

Of course, the deleted scenes on DVD disc show the scenes I knew must have been on the page at one point. Writers Koren, O'Keffe and Odekerk hit home with a soft, politely spiritual piece without making the movie about religion. Rather, it says a lot about people's belief in their own destinies not being the best place for them in the world; themes I am reputed to enjoy immensely.

I'm not sure if I'd say this is Tom Shadyac best credit as director, but definitely one of them. As for writer Steve Odekerk, whose last project was "Kung Pow: Enter the Fist," this is for sure a bright light at the end of what was a bleak tunnel of projects for him. I say this despite my sinful enjoyment of the Ace Ventura movies.

The DVD delivers more big laughs with an outtakes reel. However, half the outtakes are for scenes cut from the original screened version, so watch the deletes scenes before the outtakes. Be sure to watch the special feature titled "The Process of Jim." It's also good for a hearty chuckle or two.

Overall, "Bruce Almighty" is one of my favorite Hollywood comedies to come along in a while, especially if you're a Jennifer Aniston fan. I agree with Brian in his Carrey/Williams comparison. Carrey's ability to handle dramatic scenes within his bag of sight gags is going to be remembered long past his years. However, I feel he has shown his worth on several dramatic projects like "Man on the Moon," "The Truman Show" and "The Majestic." So performance-wise, Carrey didn't break new ground with me THIS time.

Benn - Where's the Humanity?