VlogJ

The film: Director Tom Shadyac and funnyman Jim Carrey go back a long way. And there's a feeling that their partnership abides by the if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it school of entertainment. From Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994) and Liar, Liar (1997) through to this, they have provided the kind of films that showcase Carrey's rubber-faced ability to go over the top, and to carry the audience with him. Problem is, there are fewer comics who have polarised people as much as Carrey. You either love him or loathe him. And, despite what the box office figures suggest, his schtick is getting a little stale. In Bruce Almighty, the laugh-a-minute man gives us too much dead air.

He plays Bruce Nolan, a TV reporter confined to those wacky spots that finish off the nightly news. But Bruce has his heart set on a career as a serious journalist. He hates his life, and in a moment of pique rails at the Big Guy Upstairs. To teach our man a lesson, God passes on all his powers so Bruce can see just how tough things can be when you're omnipotent.

Of course, Nolan begins by using his God-given powers for devilish fun. And here the film - or Carrey rather - works best. Let loose, he can be hilarious, but the filmmakers turn sentimental and that's where it wears thin. Morgan Freeman (as God, below with Carrey) is only there to pick up the cheque, and poor Jennifer Aniston (as Carrey's love interest) looks lost without her Friends.

There are a few rib-ticklers along the way, but by the end they get suffocated under all the cheese. To think Carrey came close to Oscar nominations for his turns in The Truman Show (1998) and Man On The Moon (1999). Those seem distant, far-off days.

The extras: Not much on offer, which is a surprise given Carrey's considerable fan base. You get a lot about Carrey, but precious little from Carrey. Hence the 'Process Of Jim' featurette is simply the director talking about what it's like to work with the comedian, and it's all a bit lame.

Best are the 15 deleted scenes, most of which show the star in full flight. Director Shadyac gives his reasons for excluding them from the finished product on the optional commentary track.

The verdict: Carrey seems trapped by the comic persona he created. And there are many viewers hoping he'll find another project that will test him. Please.

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