Bruce Almighty Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
How would you handle the most awesome responsibility in the universe?
The guy next door just became the guy upstairs.
He's got the power.
In Bruce We Trust?
If you could be God for one week, what would you do?
Bruce Nolan (Carrey), a television reporter in Buffalo, N.Y.,is discontented with almost everything in life despite his popularity and the love of his girlfriend, Grace (Aniston) . At the end of the worst day of his life, Bruce angrily ridicules and rages against God and God responds. God appears in human form (Freeman) and, endowing Bruce with divine powers, challenges Bruce to take on the big job to see if he can do it any better.
| Jim Carrey | Bruce Nolan |
| Morgan Freeman | God |
| Jennifer Aniston | Grace Connelly |
| Philip Baker Hall | Jack Baylor |
| Catherine Bell | Susan Ortega |
| Lisa Ann Walter | Debbie |
| Steve Carell | Evan Baxter |
| Nora Dunn | Ally Loman |
| Eddie Jemison | Bobby |
| Paul Satterfield | Dallas Coleman |
| Mark Kiely | Fred Donohue |
| Sally Kirkland | Anita Mann |
| Tony Bennett | Himself |
| Timothy Di Pri | Bruce's Cameraman |
| Brian Tahash | Bruce's Soundman |
| Tom Shadyac |
6.40 out of 10 (43801 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Perhaps the second most entertaining Jim Carey movie I've seen
posted on 28 Aug 2009Ok, let me get this out of the way: This is not great cimema, earthshaking truths, a gripping plot, etc.What Bruce Almighty IS, is a very funny movie in typical Jim Carey style which serves to entertain most of us.Jennifer Anniston makes a great sexy and bewildered girlfriend, Morgan Freeman is well, Morgan Freeman and all of the great things that denotes.
Jim Carey is Jim Carey in maybe his best role since The Mask and Pet Detective.Even though we'd seen most of the best gags in the trailers, there were still a few reserved for those who saw the movie. The end result is that my wife and I laughed a lot and really enjoyed Bruce Almighty.
"You wanna see a miracle son? Be the miracle."
posted on 28 Aug 2009"You wanna see a miracle son? Be the miracle." That is the premise of Bruce Almighty. Although I was somewhat hesitant about what I have heard of this movie at first, it turned out to be pretty darn good. Bruce (Jim Carrey), an aspiring TV anchorman, goes through life struggling and blames all of his misfortunes on God. Bruce then meets God (Morgan Freeman) and is given his powers for a time. Bruce then uses these powers to his own advantage to raise himself, but ends up losing his girlfriend, Grace (Jennifer Aniston), in the process. It is only after losing the woman that he loves so much that Bruce realizes what he really wants in life and gives in to the will of God. Then he regains the love of Grace and succeeds in his work life as well.At first, this movie seemed somewhat sacrilegious as Bruce goes around doing whatever he wants in the world, but the movie ends up having some very true, and very strong lessons to it. I especially like the play on words with Grace being the name of Bruce's girlfriend, but also being the only thing that he wants from God by the end of the movie. The line about being the miracle is especially true as many people thing that all they have to do is sit back and everything will be taken care of the way they would like it. So get up, do something, and make your life what you want it to be!Bruce Almighty is a good movie that is funny, but also solemn when appropriate. The TV version has some extra editing to it, which kept it a little cleaner as well, which I liked.
An absolutely terrible movie
posted on 20 Aug 2009Bruce Almighty is definitely one of the worst movies I have ever seen in my entire life. It's a pretentious sermon in search of a mindless congregation. Ooh - if you had infinite power, you'd likely abuse it. Now there's a pretense that may seem deeply philosophical to a seven-year-old, but, face it, if you haven't got that straight by the time you're 14, there's not much hope for you.
Jim Carrey and Tom Shadyac can't go wrong!
posted on 16 Aug 2009Jim Carrey has got to be one of my favorite actors, I have yet to see him in a role that I didn't like. He's nothing less than hilarious and I don't care what anyone says, he's a fantastic actor. On top of that, Tom Shadyac is a superb director, making his third film with Jim Carrey (the previous two being: "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" and "Liar Liar"). The instant I heard they were working together again, I knew I'd love the movie. So opening day rolled around and I wasted no time in getting myself to the movie theater to enjoy the film. And of course, I was not let down, I laughed myself silly and had an all around great time.The story is beyond far-fetched, but it's all in good fun and actually has a good "moral to the story" as they say. The film is mainly about doing what it right and being happy with yourself.I'll admit though this is the first movie where I thought Jim Carrey was a little too nutty at times. Like the whole tantrum on the bed when Jennifer Aniston is telling him to get out of bed, and a few other cases. But the scenes where I was laughing so hard that the tears started flowing more than made up for those few "too nutty" scenes.On top of the great story and the hilarious comedy, there is also a fair amount of special effects in the film, which are nothing less than great and work very well with the story. And of course, there is the lovely Jennifer Aniston, need I say more? She's looked better, but she did a fine job in the role and I enjoyed watching her performance. Morgan Freeman was another fine addition to the cast, doing a very nice job with his role.What it boils down to is this. If you liked "Ace Ventura" or "Liar Liar", then you definitely ought to check this movie out. If you like Jim Carrey in general, see this movie! If you aren't a fan of Jim Carrey, I'm not sure what to tell you, I guess I'd say see it anyway...you never know, you might like it. Thanks for reading.-LebowskiT1000
charming
posted on 14 Aug 2009This movie is not a dramatic masterpiece by any standards, but it accomplishes its goal-- it makes people laugh. There are jokes for everyone, from nose-picking jokes for younger kids (not a recommended movie for that crowd due to language, however) to little inside jokes that only certain people will get. The people in the theater around me were gasping for air at some points. And yes, it does have a cute ending, storybook perfection, but it seems the only way to end it. I would definitely recommend this movie if you're in the mood for slapstick comedy (Steven Carell and Jim Carrey both are incredibly good physical comedians) and general all-around cuteness. It's worth seeing in theaters, if just to see Jim Carrey back in his element.
...And God Said "Ha!".
posted on 14 Aug 2009Special effects heavy summer fluff about a struggling newsman (Jim Carrey) who questions the work God is doing. Enter God himself (Morgan Freeman) as he makes a deal with the title character, giving him all his heavenly powers. Naturally goof-ball Carrey uses his new skills in the most moronic ways. Live-in girlfriend Jennifer Aniston worries that Carrey is losing interest in her and focusing too much on less important things. Sexy news anchor Catherine Bell (of "JAG" fame) soon has her eye on Carrey after his unbelievable run of good luck. And of course no one knows that Freeman and Carrey have their little agreement. Problems arise all over the world due to Carrey's selfish use of his powers. In the end, can he fix the difficulties he has created? "Bruce Almighty" is an economically heavy film that cost a small fortune to make, but no money was spent on the really important things. Carrey, who was so good in "The Truman Show", continues to choose silly projects that only look at the bottom line. Aniston and Bell fit in good in a mess like this because they are basically just television performers and this production plays more like a sitcom than a motion picture. As for Freeman, I have no clue why he is in this thing. Wants to be a comedy, but toes delicate subject matter way too much to be very funny. Most things within the film's wild screenplay make no sense and the direction lacks pace and conviction. 2.5 out of 5 stars.
Silly yet saintly
posted on 12 Aug 2009The trailers (or previews) for "Bruce Almighty" led me to believe that it would be a frivolous frolic, full of toilet and tit-and-ass humor. And indeed it was. But the film turned out to be much more than an exercise in excess. It proved to be a movie with a message and a meaning. "Bruce Almighty" starts out silly -- but ends up saintly.Jim Carrey stars as Bruce Nolan, a TV reporter who yearns to advance beyond feel-good human-interest items to more serious (and prestigious) news coverage as an anchorman. He fails to appreciate the things he already has, not least of which is his girlfriend, Grace Connelly (Jennifer Aniston). God finally steps in, embodied by Morgan Freeman. He gives Bruce his powers and takes a little holiday Himself.Predictably, Bruce uses God's powers in all kinds of piddling and picayune ways, such as parting a bowl of soup like the Red Sea in "The Ten Commandments". But he starts hearing voices in his head -- the unanswered prayers of the world, or at least his immediate neighborhood. First, he tries to make sense out of the voices by organizing them. (The Post-It note sequence is priceless.)Then he tries to make the voices go away by granting all of the things people pray for. But he soon learns that people should be careful what they wish for, and that his actions have dire consequences. As Tobey Maguire said in "Spiderman", "With great power comes great responsibility."In the end, Bruce learns to value the humble but happy life he has always had. And he learns that being God is not about performing cheap magic tricks with the universe. It is about loving creatures who are free not to love Him back. It is also about teaching human beings that, like Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz", they themselves have the power to answer their prayers. Or, as Gandhi put it, to "be the change that you want to see in the world".Deeply religious people might take offence at some of the jokes in "Bruce Almighty". But that shouldn't stop them from seeing the film. Ultimately, its moral theology and philosophy of prayer are as sound and firm as the house built on rock in the gospels. As for non-believers, they may quibble with the medium -- but they can't find fault with the message.
More of a Drama than a Comedy...Bummer
posted on 10 Aug 2009I had pretty high expectations for Bruce Almighty. Not that it would be Jim Carrey's finest, but that it would be somewhat comparable to some of his blockbuster comedies back in the day like Dumb and Dumber (1993) and The Mask (1994). Needless to say, Bruce Almighty falls well short of its potential. With a pretty good storyline and a talented leading cast, featuring Carrey, Jennifer Aniston and Morgan Freeman, there's no reason why this movie should have turned out this bad. The story begins with Bruce Nolan (Carrey), a depressed and cynical Buffalo news reporter, having a very very bad day. So the day after 'the worst day of Bruce's life', God approaches him, who offers to instill him with all his powers for one week. Sounds good enough, eh? Well, yea, a first, but Bruce Almighty is poorly directed and it lacks focus. First, Bruce makes horrible, unimaginative, use of god's powers. Creating a gust of wind to blow up a woman's skirt? Getting his dog to use the bathroom...properly? What about stopping time or time travel, or exploring other countries (within reason)? Wouldn't you do such things if you had god's power? The possibilities are endless yet the director keeps Bruce's usage of these unlimited powers grounded in practicality and insignificance. Then there's the issue of the prayers Bruce must answer. He answers "yes" to all of them to save time, and the consequence of his action is that the Buffalo Sabres win the Stanley Cup. What about those who prayed that the Sabres opponent would win? Not everyone's a Sabres fan. Their prayers weren't answered. Perhaps Bruce thinks that up-state New York deserves preferential treatment. Adding to the disappointment is that Bruce Almighty really isn't even that funny, aside from the few scenes that are geared to showcase up-and-coming comic Steve Carrell, and not Carrey. There's no chemistry between Carrey and Jen Aniston (his estranged live-in-girlfriend) and Jim himself just seems kinda bored with the whole production. Also, the final quarter of the film assumes an unexpectedly serious atmosphere, as its tone shifts unevenly from comedic to melo-dramatic, but neither work particularly well. Does this want to be a comedy or a drama? No one really knows. There's just far too much of that "It's a Wonderful Life" morality filler instead of the great comedy we all came in expecting from it. A misfire all the way.Rating: 1.5 stars out of 4
Bit of a missed opportunity
posted on 04 Aug 2009This could have been dazzling but, for me, was a misfire, mainly because the Jim Carrey character was so hard to like. I'm a Carrey fan, but in this case, the script and direction seemed to be against him.Near the start of the film, Bruce's boss refers to another character as "an asshole" and says "You couldn't be". However, he behaves like one through most of the film, with his whining and complaining seriously overdone. You have to wonder why his girlfriend sticks with him for so long. As often, the dog (when he appears) steals the show. The best scenes are the ones a third of the way through, after Bruce first gets his powers. Here the film shows energy, with Carrey doing what he's best at - being an amusing "wise guy". After this, though, it all gets a bit tedious. The performances are fine, particularly from Carrey and Morgan Freeman, but the filmmakers don't seem sure about where they're heading, or what the moral (if any) is. Ultimately the film is a bit of a mess.
A great comedy! still too bad about its second halve.
posted on 23 Jul 2009This is a greatly crafted and funny comedy, starring Jim Carrey in top-shape.The premise is a great comedy one. A 'normal' every day guy getting God's power, who of course at first start using it for his own benefit and pleasure but soon starts to realize the great responsibility of it and of the ability to help out people. It of course gives the movie plenty of material to create some fun and hilarious sequences around this premise. The movie is also filled with comical moments like this, which makes "Bruce Almighty" a very enjoyable and fun to watch movie. Definitely better than 90% of the comedies being released in cinemas these days.Jim Carrey really makes the movie funny. He plays his character in a great comedy way and provides the movie with a couple of hilarious sequences but he also is great and convincing in the more 'serious' moments in the movie. But it seems a bit silly that he's spoofing some of his old previous comedy roles. It's never a good sign when a comedian starts to spoof his own previous roles. It often means that their careers are over, though I don't expect to be this the case with Jim Carrey.Too bad that, like always, Jim Carrey has to carry the entire movie on its own. Sure, the movie features many other big names, such as Morgan Freeman, Steve Carell, Jennifer Aniston and Philip Baker Hall but when it comes down to the comedy of the movie, Carrey is mostly on his own, although I think that this is also the way he likes it. Morgan Freeman is a good and fun God and Steve Carell also provides the movie with a couple of laughs. And regarding Jennifer Aniston; Sorry. Never have really been a big Jennifer Aniston fan, not even of her looks.The second halve of the movie becomes way too moralistic and preachy toward the ending. The movie tries to bring over a moralistic message in a too forced and obvious way. It causes the second halve of the movie to be less fun, though it obviously still features some great comedy moments. This sort of moralistic movie and story can only work once, so I also don't have very high hopes for the sequel "Evan Almighty". I just don't think it will work out.The movie is well directed and has some excellent comedy timing. It shows that Tom Shadyac knows how to handle the genre and should definitely continue making genre movies like these (but just not if it are sequels!).A recommendable comedy, despite the more annoyingly preachy and moralistic second halve.7/10
Good news for whining, shallow boobs!
posted on 21 Jul 2009At last! A real "message" movie!Forget about trying to be thoughtful, kind, responsible and God-fearing.
All you have to do is act like a whining, shallow boob, and God will single you out and let YOU be God for a week or so.I never realized before how EASY it is to attain grace!(Who says movies aren't educational!)
Simple and quite funny!
posted on 17 Jul 2009Hey, the theme is simple and quite funny! I laughed til I cried during the newsroom scene. I was very impressed with how the writers created Morgan Freemans character (that's right, God). There is an important underlying message made clear when Bruce asks God "How do I get her to love me?" God says, "When you figure that out, let me know". Does God really not know? I'll let you decide, but FREE WILL is a powerful force. We see this same struggle carried out in other films that make no mention of God. Two people struggle to find out if they truly love each other. The man is a selfish jerk and the woman tries to wait for him to get real. Remember Hugh Grant in 9 Months? If you enjoyed that movie, you'll enjoy this one. I gave Bruce Almighty a 9.
Wait for this one to hit cable
posted on 11 Jul 2009Watching this movie was a strange experience. I both enjoyed it, and felt like asking for my money back. The 1st half hour or so is just a compilation of "Jim Carrey's greatest hits", he just recycles his old jokes, catchphrases and facial expressions. It gets a little better when he starts to come to terms with the consequences of having God's powers, but the ending is predictable, saccharine in the extreme, and, worst of all: Not funny. If you see it, you will laugh a lot. However, you will laugh just as hard when they show it on cable next year.
Business as usual with this time wasting pot-boiler.
posted on 09 Jul 2009A real potboiler, made, no doubt, because it could be. A quick idea on paper
with Jim Carry's name attached to it got this film the green light and allconcerned played catch up in order to get a couple hours worth of backgroundto some SFX stunts and Carry mug pulling into the theatres as per the contracts.
But really this is nothing more than a time passer/waster.
With a message
posted on 09 Jul 2009Bruce Almighty- 2003. Stars Jim Carrey, Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Aniston, and Steve Carrell. ****out of *****.Bruce Nolan is a down-on-his-luck news reporter who blames God for everything. After getting fired from his job, God decides to page him. When Bruce gets to God's office (humorously played by Morgan Freeman...I know that was kinda late.)decides to give Bruce all his powers.Well, despite many humorous parts in the movie, Bruce Almighty does have a good message. My review...8/10.Oh yeah...Jennifer Aniston plays Grace Connelly, Bruce's girlfriend.Overall, 8/10.
The Theatrical Trailer Fooled Me
posted on 07 Jul 2009First of all, I'm glad Jim Carrey is back at what he does best, comedy. But Bruce Almighty is not a good movie as a whole. The previews and theatrical trailers group all the good parts of the movie and get people to come in by showing the highlights of the film. But the rest of the movie they don't show you during the previews is empty and just not worth the money. I don't blame Jim Carrey one bit, there were times I lost it and crying in tears he was so funny, but it couldn't save the final cut. You will laugh, no doubt about it, but it will only be for like 3 minutes total. Save your money and rent it later.
Bruce really is almighty...
posted on 03 Jul 2009I loved Bruce Almighty! LOVED IT! I thought it was absolutely hilarious, I was laughing so hard! Jim Carrey is really a genius. I love him, he is so funny. His voices, his acting, his jokes, it's all good. Him and Jennifer Aniston make a great team, they were both hilarious. There are a few funny scenes that will really make you cry with laughter, and some parts might even jerk a tear [maybe! I was getting a little teary!]. Other than that, I really did enjoy this movie - a lot. The best Jim Carrey comedy since "Liar Liar". 9/10. You won't be disappointed!
Charming but Silly
posted on 25 Jun 2009Morgan Freeman's portrayal of God was very endearing in this movie. I enjoyed it quite a bit. A lot of the movie was just plain silliness, which, I must admit, was refreshing in the midst of all these smash-em, bash-em action/suspense/thriller movies that are overtaking the industry these days. With all the *real* violence going on in the world, I prefer to watch a movie that helps me *escape* it for a couple hours, not bury me in it. It's hard enough to face reality once I *leave* the theater.I was also relieved that this movie didn't contain Jim Carey's tendency toward what I call toilet humor. (See the Ace Ventura movies for an example of what I mean.) No, this was, for the most part, just good, clean humor tossed in with--gasp!--tough decisions based on morals.It's at least worth one viewing. I won't pay theater price to see it again (that's where I saw it this time), but I'd watch it again on video if someone I knew hadn't seen it and was in the mood for a lighthearted comedy.Warning, though: Several parts of this movie could be considered blasphemous to those who are seriously religious. Preview it before taking anyone like that with you to see it.
Disappointing
posted on 25 Jun 2009I'm a Jim Carrey fan, so this movie was a huge let down. He did his best (as always) but there's just no substence to the film. Mildly amusing for the first 20 minutes and then one l-o-n-g yawn, heavily laden with sickly-sweet moralising. The only thing that caught my attention was a comparison I found myself making, throughout, between Jennifer Aniston's atrocious performance and that of the much prettier and vastly more talented Maura Tierney in an earlier Carrey movie, Liar Liar. I'd love to say that Aniston spoils the movie, but her rotten acting was just one small, if expected, minus. All in all, a brilliant concept executed VERY badly. I'm glad to see that most other reviewers didn'y like this movie either. I'd love to see Jim Carrey & Maura Tierney work together in future as they had real chemistry. As for MS Aniston, I hope she falls into a huge vat of $1000 bills and is never heard from again.
Carrey back to his Best
posted on 30 Aug 2009Jim Carrey returns to his superb best in this film. He loses his job as a television reporter and ends up going to see someone about a new job only to find out that this person is God. God gives all his powers to Carrey and as you can imagine this leads to some outstanding comedy moments. Anything he wants is his own command, although as usual with all the good and enjoyment there has to be a down side and there is when he fails to answer the peoples prayers. Everything ends up in chaos but all is sorted. Good for a laugh overall!