Bruce Almighty (2003)

User Review

• 

  Barneyonmovies

  7 / 10

  WHAT I LIKED: 'Bruce Almighty,' is ultimately a high-concept film that uses its funny central idea to craft a story about using power/success for the important things in life. God (Morgan Freeman) gives a failed news reporter Bruce (Jim Carrey) his powers and responsibilities, and after using those things to help himself in shallow, selfish ways, he eventually comes to realise that it's the people he loves and other's happiness that matters most. It's a cheesy story, but it works because the film (and of course its lead) embraces both the character charm that comes with the idea, and the humour too. There are moments of genuine amusement playing with the concept initially, and then moments of seriousness too both in building his and his partner's relationship before the meeting with God, and towards the end where Bruce realises what's important. That makes for a rather engaging and amusing experience overall, and that's an admirable thing in a film whose absurdity could have easily overwhelmed things.
  
  WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: It's hardly going to be winning any awards for profound nuance or subtlety...
  
  VERDICT: A film that uses its ridiculous central concept to amuse and to unlock a serious thematic character arc, 'Bruce Almighty,' is no masterpiece, but it works well on its own terms.

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