Bruce Almighty
2003 · Directed by Tom Shadyac
Original language: English
- fantasy
- comedy
The story
Bruce Nolan toils as a "human interest" television reporter in Buffalo, NY, but despite his high ratings and the love of his beautiful girlfriend, Bruce remains unfulfilled. At the end of the worst day in his life, he angrily ridicules God — and the Almighty responds, endowing Bruce with all of His divine powers.
What it’s like
Bright, saturated daytime Buffalo with broad, bouncy comedy framing: wide two-shots, the camera settling into warm studio light and sunny street scenes, then drifting into glossy, slightly overlit night skies when the miracles begin. The palette is candy-colored and clean, the sound a jaunty pop-and-orchestral score that swells on every gag, with the quieter stretches given over to Morgan Freeman's calm, measured voice. The vibe is breezy, goofy and warm, with a sweetness underneath the slapstick. It suits a lazy weekend afternoon, a comfort rewatch, or an easy evening when you want to laugh without thinking hard. Pacing is brisk and sketch-like, with set-piece bits that land and move on. Its central figure is a self-absorbed man slowly learning humility and what matters to him, and its emotional register stays light, with a few sincere pulls toward romance and faith. Intensity is mild: a car crash and some brief slapstick peril, with no gore, no sex on screen, and no real cruelty. It is for people who want a generous, good-natured comedy about faith and second chances.
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