Henry Poole, Evan/Bruce Almighty

Posted by Leslie C. Halpern Aug 14, 2008

The new Luke Wilson film Henry Poole is Here could have been called “Henry Almighty” because of the many similarities between this film and the Evan Almighty/Bruce Almighty combo. Although all three movies focus on a spiritual decline in the central characters, Henry, Evan, and Bruce also suffer from romantic woes brought on by their lack of faith.

In Henry Poole is Here, Wilson stars as a disillusioned man who withdraws from the world only to find that people named Dawn and Patience won’t leave him alone. Aided in finding a new home by a chipper real estate agent (Cheryl Hines), the house turns into a holy shrine when undeniable miracles emanate from a water stain resembling Jesus Christ.

In Evan Almighty (2007), Steve Carrell stars as a newly elected congressman who promises to change the world. With the help of another chipper real estate agent (Molly Shannon as “Eve”), he moves into a new home, but has trouble adjusting. Evan loses faith in his abilities to make positive changes, and his family loses faith in him as a husband and father. When God appears and demands that Evan build an ark, his spirituality is further tested.

In Bruce Almighty (2003), Jim Carrey stars as a man unhappy with his ordinary job, ordinary relationship with his girlfriend (Jennifer Aniston as “Grace”), and ordinary life. After losing his job, cursing God, and jeopardizing his relationship with Grace, he begins a spiritual rebirth after meeting God and being given omnipotent power (on a trial basis, of course).

All three films present disgruntled men whose loss of faith affects everything in their lives, most notably their ability to love. When divine intervention gives them new hope for life, they also renew their hope for romance.