What Did The Critics Think?

"It's a Wonderful Life is a homemade apple pie, warm from the oven and topped with vanilla bean ice cream. Bruce Almighty is a bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos." Mary F Pols CONTRA COSTA TIMES "Even with all its predictability, Bruce Almighty and its star Jim Carrey still leaves you crying from laughter." Kit Bowen HOLLYWOOD.COM "A charmer, the kind of movie where Bruce learns that while he may not ever make a very good God, the experience may indeed make him a better television newsman." Roger Ebert CHICAGO SUN-TIMES "Happily, Carrey is back with his trademark facial expressions and outrageous physical comedy." Lisa Leigh Connors CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR "Carrey is utterly delightful, whether pulling off some hilarious pratfall or energizing the most mundane piece of dialogue." Eleanor Ringel Gillespie ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION "This is a movie that offers moments of laughter and an entertaining story, but it will leave you thinking about the spiritual elements long after you've left the theater." Holly McClure CROSSWALK.COM MOVIES

"The saving grace of Bruce Almighty, and it is a big enough one to make the movie worth seeing, despite its flaws, is Carrey, the most intelligent and inventive comedian we have." Chris Hewitt ST PAUL PIONEER PRESS "Carrey’s latest is a return if you will, albeit only a slightly more mature one, to the slapstick that made his the biggest name in big-screen comedies." Todd Gilchrist FILMSTEW.COM "A perfectly respectable Jim Carrey comedy that makes you feel as if you're right back in 1997, watching Liar Liar." Owen Gleiberman ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY "Bruce Almighty is proof that "high concept" movies can also be well-crafted and ambitious... There’s plenty of smart comic filmmaking at play throughout." Mike McGranaghan, AISLE SEAT "... on at least three or four occasions, Carrey made me laugh so hard I had tears in my eyes and that's a heck of a trick." Richard Roeper, EBERT & ROEPER

At A Glance

"Yep, this is the Carrey America loves -- off-the-wall, over-the-top, elastic, spastic and fantastic." Tom Long DETROIT NEWS

There are some marriages that are made in heaven - creative ones, that is - and no star and director are more suited for each other than Jim Carrey and Tom Shadyac. Their first collaboration, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, firmly established Carrey as a star of the first magnitude, and Shadyac as a freshman director with a promising career. The second time Carrey and Shadyac pooled their talents, the result was Universal’s Liar Liar, one of the biggest hits of 1997. Thus, when Shadyac was first presented with the high and mighty concept for Bruce Almighty, it went to the top of his development heap at Shady Acres Entertainment, his extremely busy production company. And Shadvac knew from the first who he wanted to make it with. Only one actor could play a man suddenly endowed with the powers of God, with all of the comedic mayhem and heartful drama that ensues, Jim Carrey. Jim is kind of a brother to me, notes Shadyac. "A little brother in some ways, and a big brother in other ways. We have a great friendship, and Bruce Almighty speaks to our concerns. What is this force called God? What is this force doing in our lives? How do we relate to it? Thematically, the film is ultimately a story about where true power comes from." Shadyac and Carrey were joined on their quest by Shady Acres partners and fellow producers Michael Bostick and James D Brubaker, who had collaborated with both on "Liar Liar", and were equally enthusiastic about the notion of bringing the story to cinematic life. "Tom so personally responded to its themes," says Bostick, "and based on his track record, it represented a project that’s so far in the Tom Shadyac wheelhouse. It’s a star-driven, high-concept comedy that ultimately has a message about the human condition, which I think is a strand which runs through all his work." "Tom’s movies, whether comedies or dramas, are a little bit personal, a little bit spiritual and always about opening the heart, adds Jim Brubaker. As they kicked off pre-production, Shadyac, Bostick and Brubaker began collecting a top-tier team of behind the scenes artists, most of them returning to the fold after having worked with the director and/or the producers on previous projects. This stalwart group included Australia's Oscar-winning director of photography Dean Semler. "Dean Semler is a cinematographer who takes comedy seriously, but also has an incredible sense of humor," Shadyac said. And then there was the matter of who would join Jim Carrey in front of the camera, particularly for the crucial roles of Grace, Bruce’s devoted but strong-minded girlfriend and, the one who’s single-handedly responsible for Bruce’s powers, the Big Man himself: God. "I hate to use the cliche," says Shadyac, "but Jennifer Aniston is one of the hottest people in show business. You can count on one hand the number of people, male or female, who can give you beauty, strength, intelligence, vulnerability and a sense of humor in one package. Jens character, Grace, is not passive. She’s strong, and that’s why we wanted Jennifer." "Tom pitched a fantastic story which I found very moving. I just thought it was great," says Aniston. "When this script came to me, only one guy popped into my head. It was always Morgan Freeman," says the director. And why was it so important to get Freeman? "Morgan embodied humanity and divinity in a way that we felt was perfect for the movie, so we didn’t have a second choice." When it comes to pure comedy in the modern era of film making there are few who can boast a bigger fan following than that zany, crazy man Jim Carrey. Most think he is one of americas biggest [when it comes to box office sales] but they would be surprised to find out that, like Michael J Fox, Carrey too is a Canadian. Born James Eugene Carrey in Ontario Canada, to parents Percy and Kathleen, Carrey was a performer right from birth. It's reported that the extrovert Carrey would perform to anyone when he was a child and took a brave and bold step at the age of 10 when he mailed his résumé to "The Carol Burnett Show". He cut his teeth in comedy clubs around Toronto refing his style until he took the plunge and moved to Los Angeles in 1979. Here at the "Comedy Store" he impressed comedian Rodney Dangerfield who signed him for the whole season as the club's opening act. It was the start he needed but it would still take time to 'make it' in the big time. It seems luck was on his side with his career but not with his marriages as Carrey would marry and divorce twice. The first was a messy one with Melissa Womer [1995], a waitress he met while working at the "Comedy Store" and he would later divorce his second wife actress Lauren Holly [1997].
His start in films may have not produced huge results but Carrey kept moving forward anyway. In the eighties he appeared in "Copper Mountain" [1983], "Finders Keepers", "Once Bitten" [1984], "Peggy Sue Got Married" [1986], "The Dead Pool" [1988], "Earth Girls Are Easy" [1988], and "Pink Cadillac" [1989]. In 1994 he hit the jackpot with the smash hit "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" and his star value went through the roof, Carrey the star had been born. He instantly won a huge following with his zany style and after starring in "The Mask" [1994] and "Dumb & Dumber" [1994] he gained the part of The Riddler [replacing Robin Williams] in "Batman Forever". Then came the sequal "Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls" and the Carrey frieght train was rollin at full speed. "The Cable Guy" [1996], "Liar Liar" [1997], "The Truman Show" & "Simon Birch" [1998], "Man on the Moon" [1999], "Me Myself and Irene" & "How the Grinch Stole Christmas [2000] and "The Majestic [2001]. From a salary of $US350,000 in 1994, Carrey now commanded $US20,000,000 plus. Not bad for a kid who dropped out of high school to pursue his dream.
It's fair to say there are some who don't find Carrey funny and thats a pity because he really is a talent. And how about those box office reciepts. His latest film "Bruce Almighty" has already taken $US193 million since opening. Carrey is not quite as 'over the top' as some may suspect in his latest film "Bruce Almighty", but he's still very funny. Carrey plays Bruce Nolan, a news reporter who longs to be an anchor man on the nightly news at the television station where he works. Bruce is fed up with getting the crappy, looney stuff and feels he's served his time. He thinks he deserves better. Constantly whining and whinging about his lot in life to God, he provokes an unexpected response, a job offer from the man himself. Gods going to take a well earned break and leave Bruce in charge. The concept is one which will touch a lot of people, after all, what would you do if given all that power and the opportunity to 'rule' the universe. It's a scarey thought and one which is answered with a fair bit of conviction in "Bruce Almighty". In the end, Carrey [and God] should win over a lot more fans with "Bruce Almighty" and deservedly so. Film Quotes "Getting to be in the presence of Morgan Freeman was pretty much one of those dreams come true." "And he was godlike, seeing that striking face in a white suit. He was phenomenal, confesses", Jennifer Aniston.
"I admire Jim's work very much," says co-star Philip Baker Hall "and working with him in this movie is kind of a dream come true. "Jim is also very generous as a performer." "He's very eager to get everybody's input, and very willing to include it if he thinks it works in the context of the scene.
"This film has the opportunity to get people thinking about spirit," notes Sally Kirkland, "Spirit exists in everybody no matter what race, creed, color, circumstance or lifestyle. The same humanity and spirit is in everybody, and we just have to love it all and pray for it all. Bruce Almighty, on a comedic level, opens you up to that."
"Everybody who works with Jim knows that. He has an extraordinary ethic, and a constant striving to make things better. I love to see Jim let go and watch things hit him, like a gift," says Tom Shadyac. "And when it comes, it's a joy to watch."
"Working with Tom is always challenging and rewarding because I never know where he's going," responds Jim Brubaker. "I think that one of Tom's biggest assets is that if he wakes up in the morning and has a better idea, we put that together and make it happen."
"I hate to use the cliché," says Shadyac, "but Jennifer Aniston is one of the hottest people in show business. Jen's character, Grace, is not passive. She's strong, and that's why we wanted Jennifer." The Story

"When Carrey is doing his thing as the Almighty, histrionically whipping up one miracle after another and relishing the power, Bruce has you spring-cleaning your lungs with laughter." .... Jack Mathews, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Yes, the man who made the word dumb, "Dumb & Dumber, who went green as "The Grinch", showed us what a romantic he was in "Me, Myself & Irene" is back again, this time as "Bruce Almighty". Yes, that's right, God has had enough of Bruce Nolan and his continual whining, so he's taking a well earned holiday. And guess who he's leaving in charge. You guessed it, Bruce. Bruce may have the power, but can he handle it. All hell is about to break out as "Bruce Almighty" uses his huge powers to make his own life ideal while all around him chaos reigns. How long will Bruces reign as the almighty last. Let's hope it's not too long. Jim Carrey, Jennifer Aniston, Steven Carell, Philip Baker Hall and Catherine Bell join God [Morgan Freeman] in this very funny tale about a man who gives God a hard time and is then given all the power he needs to show he can do a better job. A Funny, romantic tale with a killer ending. And don't go rushing out of the theatre folks, there are some great 'out-takes' to laugh at in the films closing credits. The Verdict "A riot of laughs, a touch of romance and a dash of self examination, thats "Bruce Almighty". Jim Carrey is at his best as the whinging, whining Bruce Nolan". Once again Jennifer Aniston shows that she cam mix it on the big screen. And as for Morgan Freeman? I think even God himself would be happy with his performance. Put some fun and laughter into your diet with a healthy helping of "Bruce Almighty". The Cast & Crew

Jim Carrey Morgan Freeman Jennifer Aniston Philip Baker Hall Catherine Bell Lisa Ann Walter Steven Carell Nora Dunn Eddie Jemison Paul Satterfield Mark Kiely Sally Kirkland Tony Bennett Timothy DiPri Brian Tahash Lou Felder Lillian Adams Christopher Darga Jack Jozefson Mark Adair-Rios

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Bruce Nolan God Grace Connelly Jack Keller Susan Ortega Debbie Evan Baxter Ally Loman Bobby Dallas Coleman Fred Donohue Anita Mann Himself Bruce's Cameraman Bruce's Soundman Pete Fineman Mama Kowolski Vol Kowolski Homeless Man Hood

Directed by Tom Shadyac Written by Steve Koren & Mark O'Keefe Screenplay by Steve Koren, Mark O'Keefe and Steve Oedekerk Original Music by John Debney Non-Original Music by Avril Lavigne Cinematography by Dean Semler Film Editing by Scott Hill Casting by Junie Lowry-Johnson & Ron Surma Production Design by Linda DeScenna Art Direction by James Nedza Set Decoration by Ric McElvin & Amanda Moss Serino Costume Design by Judy Ruskin Howell Makeup Department Cydney Cornell Run Time 101 minutes Rated M15+ [AUST] Copyright ©2003 - BVI - All Rights Reserved Copyright ©2003 - Impact Internet Services - All Rights Reserved