'Evan Almighty' (PG) Grade: C

I've watched Steve Carrell evolve from correspondent on "The Daily Show" to nitwit boss on "The Office" to suicidal Proust scholar in "Little Miss Sunshine." With each of these roles, I gained a sense of hope for the evolution of his acting career. \nThe difference between those roles and his latest foray, "Evan Almighty," is that he has never been so responsible for carrying a movie. Turns out, he's not up to the job.\nCarrell reprises his role as news caster Evan Baxter in prequel "Bruce Almighty." This time around he is a Congressman who gained his position with a campaign promise to "change the world." That's where God steps in, once again played by Morgan Freeman. He starts turning Carell into a modern-day Noah, asking him to build an ark in preparation for a flood. With pairs of animals following him and a uncontrollable beard growing from his face, his job on Capitol Hill gets messy. \nMany try to come to Carell's rescue, but none can save the film. Morgan Freeman, usually wonderful, plays The Omnipotent One with little effort. The same goes for Lauren Graham, previously seen starring in "Gilmore Girls," who plays Carrell's wife. There's nothing wrong with her portrayal, but there's also nothing that makes her noticeable, except maybe the character's monochromatic obsession. (Every shirt she wears -- and even the van she drives -- is blue.)\nThat's the main flaw of the movie: repetitiveness. For Carrell, his crutch is physical humor. From getting hit in the groin to wearing a biblical-style robe in inappropriate situations, it's the same shtick over and over. Even more than that, the concept of God interfering in modern-day life has already been done in the first "Almighty" movie. \nThe one saving grace might have been the animals themselves. They're not computer-generated, at least not judging by the dozens of animal trainers listed in the credits. Species of every kind follow Carrell through Capitol Hill and eventually help to build the ark, sharing tools and snacks with Carrell.\nDespite its predictability, the plot isn't too blame. Sure, the idea of God interfering with modern times has already been done in the first Almighty movie, but this one has family values, political corruption and religious overtones ... all the things that make America tick.\nWhat has always impressed me about Carell is his ability to humorously interact with other actors. His comedic timing is top-notch on The Office, and he got the family dynamic down in Little Miss Sunshine. The chemistry in this film, however, is not believable. Carell seems to be trying his best to entertain, but the other actors aren't on the same page. \nPerhaps I went in with too high of hopes for a humorous summer blockbuster movie. But for now, I'll stick with the original flood story. It has a better ending.