Bruce Almighty film review

certificate_12A

BRUCE ALMIGHTY

There was a time when Jim Carrey was God. Well, in Hollywood at least. Then his novelty wore off, his films got worse and he slipped off his cloud. In Bruce Almighty he is given the chance to play on screen the role he has already enjoyed in life. The film sees Carrey reunited with director Tom Shadyac who was at the helm of the film that began his celestial ascent, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, and also one where his deification was complete, Liar Liar.

Following the far from regal The Majestic, Bruce Almighty marks a welcome return to form for Carrey who is always at his best when allowed off the lead. And let's face it, as God you can pretty much do what you like.

His stint as the Almighty begins when his character, local TV reporter "Wacky Bruce" Nolan is experiencing the mother of all bad days. Informed that he is being passed over for the coveted job of news anchor in favour of his archrival Evan Baxter (Steven Carell) just as he is going live, Bruce has a meltdown on air. His blasphemous tirade gets him fired and he turns to God, who he blames for his downfall, for guidance. "Okay God, tell me, what should I do? Send me a sign."

One of the film's best features is the way it equips the Lord to deal with the world's spiritual demands in the 21st century. He now has every modern appliance including computers and phones and it's by use of beeper that God answers Bruce's plea.

Without questioning the job being done by the present incumbent, if we were voting for a new God, Morgan Freeman would get my tick. Here, with his calm assurance, white suit and lush voice, he embodies the perfect image of contemporary divinity. "You've been doing a lot of complaining about me Bruce and frankly I'm getting fed up with it," God tells Nolan when he follows the instructions that land him at the stark white offices of Omni Presents.

It's when God challenges Bruce to do a better job and hands over the reins for a week that the film's sky-high concept really takes off. Imbued with supreme powers, Bruce does what any normal, red-blooded male would do. He makes a passing girl's dress fly up and gives his long-time girlfriend Grace (a woefully under-challenged Jennifer Aniston) bigger boobs.