Bruce Almighty was 2003's surprise hit and proof that The Man Upstairs is good for giggles.

Evan Almighty might be missing the big JC (Jim Carrey, not the other one), but has sufficient star wattage in Steve Carell, star of 2005's surprise hit The 40 Year Old Virgin.

It also has animals aplenty so little 'uns will not feel short-changed in the cute factor or the gross-out factor (no opportunity for copping a shoulder full of bird poo is missed).

When the flood comes (threatening but not apocalyptic enough to bring full-fledged humanitarian disaster to a family comedy) the film boasts a special effects climax to rival Deep Impact, Poseidon or The Perfect Storm.

A tie-in brand of Evian Almighty seems unlikely though...

What this lacks is the sharp humour that transforms standard family fare into a modern classic.

Carell professionally mugs for the camera as a Congressman torn between his wife Joan (ho ho) and three sons, and slimy politico John Goodman planning on turning lush forests into prime real estate.

Healthy doses of irreverence would have added spark to Evan's encounters with the G-man, but Bruce Almighty director/writer team Tom Shadyac and Steve Oedekerk tread lightly for fear of offending the religious masses being targeted.

The green message takes a distant second place to the Sunday school lesson, but Evan Almighty's story of a religious, SUV driving politician learning to love the environment might be preaching to a certain unconverted US President.

Adults will tire of Evan's happy dancing long before the end credit sing-a-long, but with only one cuss word this is safe and inoffensive, if bereft of inspiration.

All involved should have ensured the jokes marched in two by two, along with the CGI furballs.

Rob Daniel