Dir: Tom Shadyac. Starring: Jim Carrey, Jennifer Aniston, Morgan Freeman, Lisa Ann Walter, Nora Dunn.
Don’t laugh, but I have a tremendous respect for Jim Carrey. It saddens me that he’s reduced to idiotic dramas (cf. The Majestic) in order to get some professional validation. Unfortunately, his latest return to comedy shamelessly abuses his talent. Professional validation is going to be a long way off if he keeps making films like these.
Bruce (Carrey) is the “wacky” reporter for a Buffalo tv station. Demeaning, stupid jokes and pointless stories seem to be his lot in life, especially after being passed over for a promotion as news anchor. Naturally, Bruce casts the blame on God, angering the big guy so much that he quits, leaving Bruce to take his place. Now, Bruce has the power of a God, but also the responsibility. The usual sickening lessons about selfishness, caring and What Really Matters begin.
I think Bruce’s job is a great metaphor for the entire film. A wacky reporter deals with the most banal subject matter in the most unexciting way; cracking jokes that the audience expects, and then pulling back into a gut-churning level of mawkishness. The plot - all of three microns thick – is so predictable and lightweight it could fit in a four minute news slot comfortably. Hell, maybe it would even be funny. Running at one hundred minutes, however, and it staggers towards the finish line like a pox-ridden mutt.
What’s worse, is that the film takes an “insert antics here” approach to Carrey’s humour, undoubtedly the worst of way dealing with it. Left with a boring and clichéd character, Carrey’s hijinks feel forced and unnatural, as they probably were. It’s a shame, too. Because the idea of grappling with our responsibility and impotence in a complex world is a good one – it worked a treat in Groundhog Day. Unfortunately, director Tom Shadyac seems intent on recycling stale Frank Capra tropes. He only just managed to get away with it in Liar Liar, but Bruce Almighty doesn’t stand a chance.
Finally, the crappy story is wholly Bruce’s. Woman are treated so incidentally in this film, it made we want to cry. Whores and Mothers abound, and Bruce’s emotions get a precedent they really don’t deserve. It’s especially saddening when Jennifer Aniston is the one squandered in the thankless role of his girlfriend. I didn’t want to hate this film, but God damn it, not even a miracle could save Bruce Almighty. Alas poor Jim, I knew him, Horatio.
D.
Patrick Garson.
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