Bruce Almighty

Jim Carrey stands in for God. Talk about high concept.

Yes, “Bruce Almighty” is the broad… Jim Carrey stands in for God. Talk about high concept.

Yes, “Bruce Almighty” is the broad comedy of the moment. But does big box office mean it’s any good? Of course not.

The whole production is so damned safe, it’s practically money laundering.

Here we have Carrey, coming off a couple of risks-turned-bombs (“Man on the Moon” and “The Majestic”), re-teaming with his tried-and-true “Ace Ventura” and “Liar Liar” director Tom Shadyac, fresh off a failed attempt at legit drama, “Dragonfly.” The pair was wounded while branching out, so they crawled back to what works and what pays: fluff.

And the incidental plot? When a string of bad luck has Carrey’s Bruce, a television junk-news reporter, cursing God, the Almighty (Morgan Freeman, asleep) hands over the reins and challenges the blasphemer to do a better job. What ensues is about 60 minutes of gags, several of which are surprisingly lowbrow, considering that the film is manufactured for the masses. Bruce finds he can give his girlfriend (Jennifer Aniston) orgasms at will, summon monkeys out of people’s asses, and so on. Then there’s 20 minutes of messagey stuff.

The film purports to teach us a few things. For instance, there’s the message about how things would actually suck if everyone’s prayers were answered. Then there’s the one about free will being such a big deal – you can’t make a woman you cheated on love you, not even if you’re God. Bummer.

It’s more of a bummer to see Carrey back in “Ace Ventura” territory, though. “Bruce Almighty” is easy stuff. Not unpleasant, but not really anything at all.