Morgan Freeman is back as "God." This has got to be good.

A newly elected congressman Evan moves into his new digs with his family. His wife decides they need to pray at this new beginning, and their prayers are not half bad. Evan's wife wants them to be more together as a family, and Evan when pressed asks to be able to make a difference in the world. How often do we pray and forget all about it.

A big truck with Go-4-Wood stenciled on the side drops off a load of lumber in the yard. Evan simply tacks a "free wood" sign on it to let the neighbors help themselves. Unfortunately, the wood pile keeps getting bigger instead of smaller.

We find Evan opening the family Bible to the place in Genesis where God tells Noah to build an ark "out of gopher wood." A pan to the side of the truck. Get it? "God" has a sense of humor—which doesn't diminish as the movie goes on.

Soon we find all the kids pitching in to build the eccentric thing, along with some elephants and other animal helpers. God also has a way with persuasion. The animals are a source of embarrassment on the job, and the little woman, not being able to take it, splits with the kids. Meanwhile Evan is sporting a beard and wearing a robe.

There is sort of a critical scene when God (in disguise) has a low-key discussion with the fed-up woman. He speculates on answers to prayer. If we pray for togetherness, for example, is God going to send "the warm fuzzies"? No, he's going to give us opportunities to be together. The wife returns, and we begin to get what this movie is about. Evan wanted to make a difference in the world, and this ark building project is God's way of giving him an opportunity to do so.

I thought this movie would be silly, and yet silly as it is at times, it is also profound. It's also reminiscent of Lassie doing a lot of helpful tricks, what the animals contribute. There is a basic message about care of the environment in one of the discussions God has with Evan, and Evan himself is a great example of someone sticking to his beliefs.

You can see this movie for the laughs and entertainment, but if you are in a group, there is plenty to discuss about it when it's over. I highly recommend it.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12