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Most mainstream critics admit that there are some hilarious sequences, but they are nevertheless somewhat disappointed by the comedy. You can scan their reviews here.

The week's second most popular film caused a curious phenomenon: a flood of phone calls to God.

Nevertheless, there is still some grumbling amongst Christian moviegoers about the new Jim Carrey comedy Bruce Almighty because it portrays a hero displaying disrespect for God's power. Further, he swears, he lives with his girlfriend, and behaves rather recklessly in other ways.

But some Christian film critics are defending the film against such flack.

Frederick Davis (Hollywood Jesus) says, "I expected it to make me very angry." But the finished product surprised him. "Some complain that this film doesn't clearly present the Gospel of Jesus, and that's true, it doesn't. But it does focus on man's weakness in contrast with God's wisdom and love. In fact, Bruce ultimately realizes that true love for someone else comes only through seeing him or her through God's eyes. God, as presented in this film, is loving, wise, graceful, and yes, holy."

The same page offers an in-depth interview with director Tom Shadyac, who defends the main character. "We don't start with perfect people in movies," he argues. "We start with imperfect people, and then they have to go on a journey. Let's read the Bible and see how many people cohabitated and did imperfect things. There is shadow in the movie, and the shadow helps the light. So we are not espousing any life style. We are not telling people, 'Now this is how to live!' We were telling a story."

Sister Rose Pacatte (The Tidings) reviews Bruce Almighty. She argues, "for all its potential minus points, the scale tips to the plus side because it is a positive—and entertaining—witness to the attributes of God, who is present to creation and who cares about humanity. Morgan Freeman as God is believable and an excellent casting choice that invites reverence and faith, even when 'God' laughs at our human foibles."

A ready-to-download Movie Discussion Guide related to this movie is available at ChristianityTodayMoviesStore.com. Use this guide after the movie to help you and your small group better connect your faith to pop culture.

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