Bruce Almighty Review

So, what would you do if you were God for one day? That's the simple but brilliant premise behind Jim Carrey's new movie, 'Bruce Almighty.' Carrey plays discontent and entirely ungrateful TV reporter Bruce, who rails and rages against God after a particularly bad day. But when strange signs start to appear which lead him to a nondescript old building, he meets an equally nondescript janitor - played by Morgan Freeman - who only turns out to be the Almighty Himself. Tired of Bruce's constant carping, the Lord endows the upstart with his divine powers and challenges him to do a better job.

Yep, it's absolutely silly and as high-concept as they come, but 'Bruce Almighty' turns out to be a real hoot. Carrey is a charming and genuinely amusing lead and Morgan Freeman delivers his divine lines with the dignity and quiet humour only he can. And although there aren't the kind of full-out guffaws of Carrey's previous successes, this is one well thought out movie boasting a more cerebral, gentler kind of comedy. Intelligent touches abound - prayers arrive by e-mail, God's premises are called Omni Presents Inc - and for the more childlike amongst us, a hilariously daft scene sneaks in when Bruce gets his revenge on a slimy colleague on-air. And although she's rather underused, Jennifer Aniston as Bruce's girlfriend shows her comic timing can successfully make the trip to the big screen. So ignore the predictably sentimental close, just sit back, giggle and enjoy.