“Bruce Almighty”

Jim Carrey may have one of the most inconsistent track records of any modern comedian, but with “Bruce Almighty”, he scores another win.

Bruce is a down-on-his-luck reporter for a local news channel or, rather, he considers himself down-on-his-luck. Really, he’s just tired of life not working out the way he wants it. His martyr complex explodes after he loses the anchor job at his station and has a small, on-air breakdown, which is pathetic and hilarious.

Things go from bad to worse; every puddle he steps in fuels his frustration. However, after continually spurning his loyal girlfriend, Grace (Jennifer Aniston), and God for doing a poor job, God visits him in the form of Morgan Freeman. God’s challenge to Bruce is, “You think you can do a better job than Me, then here’s your chance.” God gives him divine powers, with the catch that he cannot mess with free will. Bruce goes on a spree of revenge and making things right for himself, and yet his girlfriend is still exhausted by his arrogance and conceit.

The spiritual allusions are hilarious and almost vague enough to not offend anyone. The film never mentions denominations, the Bible, or any other controversy. However, fundamentalists will likely find the vagueness too cowardly. But the film isn’t trying to make a spiritual point; rather the film is about Bruce’s journey to trust God with his life. While this makes for weak religion, it will appeal to as many viewers as possible, especially because of Carrey’s brilliant performance.