Jim Carrey is back in his elements as Jim Carrey does.

Rating: 7/10 (1 June 2003)

Recently I saw Julien Temple's "Earth Girls Are Easy" (1989) on cable and enjoyed all over again the riotous comedic tempo of the alien trio: Jeff Goldblum, Jim Carrey and Damon Wayans, with the infectious Valley girl portrayal of Valerie by Geena Davis. I remember I first appreciate Jim Carrey in "The Mask" (1994) with the talented Cameron Diaz in her debut role.
"Bruce Almighty" is a parable without a doubt. Jim Carrey back in his elements, with partners in fun - Jennifer Aniston as Grace the girlfriend desirable, and Morgan Freeman as God the friend indispensable. Together they delivered an entertaining tale about how Carrey's character Bruce eventually learned his life lessons and became the model citizen aspired by all. Yes, the comedic tempo basically is 'driven' by the manic energy of Carrey's, but both Freeman and Aniston contributed their subtle humorous touches with just the right dosage to the mix. It was amusing watching the trio, and (not forgetting) the dog, along with the supporting cast, making this Tom Shadyac movie another Hollywood hit.
Director Tom Shadyac's other endeavors include: Patch Adams (1998), a rather serious film with Robin Williams - another manic energy unlimited; and The Nutty Professor (1996 remake) with Eddie Murphy - yet another genius in hilarity.
Morgan Freeman is a prolific actor since his famous role as Miss Daisy's chauffeur opposite Jessica Tandy in Bruce Beresford's "Driving Miss Daisy" (1989). I found his two 'Charlie' roles most delightful: he was Charlie in Neil LaBute's "Nurse Betty" (2000) opposite RenÃ©e Zellweger and co., and as Charlie Grimes opposite Ashley Judd in Carl Franklin's "High Crimes" (2002).

I first appreciate Jennifer Aniston's acting in Edward Burns' "She's The One" (1996). She carried the central roles in Glenn Gordon Caron's "Picture Perfect" (1997) opposite Jay Mohr; Nicholas Hytner's "The Object of My Affection" (1998) opposite Paul Rudd; and Miguel Arteta's "The Good Girl" (2002) opposite Jake Gyllenhaal and co. She gave steady supporting roles to Mark Wahlberg in Stephen Herek's "Rock Star" (2001), and to Ron Livingston in Mike Judge's "Office Space" (1999).
Jim Carrey's more serious drama roles include: Frank Darabont's "The Majestic" (2001) opposite Martin Landau and co.; Peter Weir's "The Truman Show" (1998) opposite Ed Harris, Laura Linney and co.; and the controversial dark menacing role of the cable guy opposite Matthew Broderick in Ben Stiller's "The Cable Guy" (1996).