At best, they were mixed. Some excerpts below.

The Christian media liked it. The mainstream media, not so much.

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In “Evan Almighty,” Mr. God goes to Washington.

Frank Capra, stop rolling in your grave. At least they cared enough to steal from the very best, as the new Steve Carell comedy labors mightily to re-create the sublime pleasures of Capra’s humane and vivid populist rousers. Now that would truly be a miracle. – Stephen Hunter, The Washington Post

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The paired animals (part real, part computer graphics), the flood effects and even the physical ark itself are heart-stoppingly beautiful in their execution, and there’s a powerful message stressing the importance of performing one act of random kindness at a time to change the world. – Henry Forbes, Catholic News Service.

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The problems with “Evan Almighty” mostly boil down to questions of scale. The movie warns of an imminent flood, yet delivers only sprinkles of laughter or anything approaching magic. It’s mildly diverting for kids and families in a way that would be perfectly fine as an ABC Family cable project (perhaps before “The 700 Club”), but sails into the summer anchored to all the baggage and expectations a comedy with an enormous budget invites. Universal has courted church groups and will need them to line up, two by two and then some, to fully recoup on their epic investment.

Although ostensibly plucked from the ribs of “Bruce Almighty,” the 2003 comedy hit starring Jim Carrey, “Evan” plays much more like an uncredited sequel to “Oh, God!” garnished with a dollop of “The Santa Clause.” – Brian Lowry, Variety

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The movie not only offers an entertaining story, but it provides some heart-warming glimpses of how God often works in our lives. While the plot appeals to adults, the film’s physical comedy and silly animal antics provide ample fodder to keep the young ones entertained as well. Load up the kids and climb aboard for a fun adventure! – Christian Broadcasting Network

Photo: Universal Studios