Evan Almighty (2007)
Synopsis:
Junior Congressman Evan Baxter's life takes an unexpected turn when God himself appears and commands him to build an ark in preparation for a great flood. As Evan struggles to balance his new political career with this divine mission, he must convince his wife Joan and their three sons—Dylan, Jordan, and Ryan—that he hasn't lost his mind. With animals mysteriously arriving two by two and his beard growing uncontrollably, Evan becomes a spectacle in his community while trying to fulfill God's unusual request. This modern retelling of the biblical Noah's Ark story follows Evan's journey of faith as he navigates the challenges of following divine instructions in contemporary society, all while dealing with the skepticism of Congressman Long and others around him.
Where To Watch: Evan Almighty
Parental Feedback
Evan Almighty offers a lighthearted, family-friendly comedy experience with a gentle pace and wholesome humor that avoids harsh language or intense action sequences. Parents will find the tone consistently upbeat and optimistic, with physical comedy involving animals and slapstick situations that appeal to younger viewers while maintaining a faith-based message about service and family unity. The film balances its biblical premise with accessible comedy, creating an environment where families can watch together without concern for inappropriate content or frightening moments.
Why Kids Should Watch Evan Almighty
This comedy presents several positive elements that make it suitable for family viewing.
The film features Steve Carell in a performance that delivers consistent physical comedy and humorous situations involving animals, providing entertainment that children can easily understand and enjoy. The presence of various animals throughout creates visual interest and comedic moments that appeal to younger audiences.
Morgan Freeman's portrayal brings warmth and wisdom to the story, offering gentle guidance that reinforces positive messages about helping others and standing up for what's right. The character serves as a moral compass throughout the narrative.
The family dynamic between Evan Baxter and his wife Joan, along with their three sons Dylan, Jordan, and Ryan, demonstrates the importance of supporting one another through unusual circumstances. These relationships show how families can work together even when facing challenges.
The PG rating and fantasy-comedy genre combination ensure that the content remains appropriate for children, with humor that doesn't rely on crude jokes or inappropriate references. The biblical proportions tagline reflects a story that incorporates faith themes in an accessible way.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch Evan Almighty
Parents may want to consider a few aspects before viewing with their children.
The biblical flood narrative at the center of the story might raise questions from children about religious themes or natural disasters that parents will need to be prepared to discuss. The premise requires some understanding of the Noah's ark story to fully appreciate the comedy.
The film's 96-minute runtime may test the attention span of very young children, particularly during slower moments focused on character development rather than action or comedy. Some sequences focus more on dialogue between adults than on child-friendly entertainment.
John Goodman's character as Congressman Long represents political corruption and dishonesty, which could introduce concepts about government wrongdoing that may be complex for younger viewers to understand. The political subplot adds a layer that might go over children's heads.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Evan Almighty earns approval as a wholesome family comedy that delivers positive messages about faith, family, and doing the right thing without exposing children to inappropriate content.
What Parents Should Know About Evan Almighty
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, the film demonstrates perseverance, family loyalty, and standing up for one's beliefs even when others doubt or ridicule those choices. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film maintains a light tone throughout with minimal emotional intensity, though some children may have questions about the flood concept and its implications. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, characters who act dishonestly or selfishly face appropriate consequences, while those who help others and act with integrity are rewarded. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, the Baxter family must work together to complete their task, and characters learn to support one another and communicate through their challenges. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, the film delivers clear messages about faith, helping others, environmental stewardship, and the importance of family unity in the face of adversity. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate the clean, family-friendly nature of this comedy and its positive messages about faith and family values. Many families find the animal-centered humor and Steve Carell's physical comedy entertaining for children, while the absence of inappropriate language or scary content makes it a safe choice for family movie night. Some parents note that the religious themes provide opportunities for meaningful conversations with their children about faith and doing the right thing. The PG rating accurately reflects content that most families find appropriate, though parents of very young children mention that the runtime and some slower plot elements may challenge shorter attention spans. Overall, families view this as a wholesome option that delivers laughs without compromising values, making it a reliable choice when parents want entertainment that aligns with their family's principles.
Official Evan Almighty Trailer
Why Kids Love Evan Almighty
Kids love watching Evan Baxter's life turn hilariously upside down when he's forced to build a massive ark right in his suburban neighborhood. Animals march into his yard two-by-two, creating total chaos as elephants, giraffes, and birds follow him everywhere—even to important meetings. The slapstick moments pile up as Evan struggles to control his wild new zoo while neighbors stare in confusion.
The comedy gets even sillier when Evan can't stop his beard from growing back instantly every time he shaves, and his clothes keep transforming into ancient robes at the worst possible times. These awkward situations turn everyday activities into laugh-out-loud disasters, especially when he shows up to work looking like a biblical prophet. Kids giggle at how embarrassed he gets while trying to act normal with animals trailing behind him.
The ark-building scenes deliver non-stop fun as Evan and his family work together on the impossible wooden structure. With help from his sons Dylan, Jordan, and Ryan, plus all those animal friends, the construction becomes a wild adventure full of mishaps and teamwork. The finale brings everything together when the ark actually saves the day, proving that even the craziest plans can work out.