Bruce Almighty

A closer look at the story

Bruce Almighty follows Bruce Nolan, a reporter at a local television station in Buffalo, New York. Bruce is known for feel-good human-interest pieces that leave viewers smiling, and he enjoys good ratings and a loving girlfriend, Grace. Even so, he feels unfulfilled and has his heart set on becoming an anchor. While preparing to go live at Niagara Falls, he discovers that his biggest rival has been given the anchor job instead. Unable to control his anger, he loses it on air and is fired. One misfortune follows another: he is beaten up by a gang and his car is stolen. When this most miserable of days finally ends, Bruce furiously rails against God and mocks Him. To his astonishment, God answers, handing over all of His divine powers to Bruce. Tom Shadyac directed this 101-minute fantasy comedy from 2003, written by Steve Koren, Mark O'Keefe and Steve Oedekerk. Jim Carrey plays Bruce, Morgan Freeman plays God and Jennifer Aniston plays Grace, with Philip Baker Hall and Catherine Bell also in the cast.