Disappointing. Carrey deserves better.

Rating: Null/10 (19 September 2003)

Jim Carrey's latest film sees him star as a man frustrated at the bum cards that God has dealt him. His ranting provokes God (Morgan Freeman) to allow Bruce (Carrey) to take control of his power and responsibility for one week.

Director Tom Shadyac's latest collaboration with Jim Carrey (they previously worked together on Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Liar, Liar) is at times riotously funny, but generally insipid and therefore a bit of a disappointment. It would be impossible to blame Carrey for the film's failings, he is a wonderful comedian, and an improving actor, and it would be very difficult to think of anyone who could have done the job better. Carrey's abilities as a screen comedian are showcased to full effects in a stupendously funny 20 minutes after he has been blessed with Godlike powers.
Unfortunately the filmmakers couldn't resist the temptation to moralise and sentimentalise the movie, and the film is all the worse for it. Bruce is a spoilt, wealthy man with a beautiful wife and a lovely apartment, it takes every ounce of Carrey's charm and manic energy to make us even care about Bruce, but it is incredibly difficult to think that there is no-one more deserving of God's special attention than this whining yuppy. And as for the portrayal of God, any film that has a character grow into itself and become happy by becoming subservient to God, a Christian God imbued with American values at that, vies between far-fetched and offensive.
In the end, it is a real shame that such a high concept comedy is mired down with such a sickly sweet world view, the thought that God will make everything ok in Bruce's life is liable to stick in most of the viewers throats. Carrey's presence will ensure decent box office returns, its just a shame that the film cannot give Carrey the vehicle that his talents deserve.