LOS ANGELES — Steve Carell proved not nearly as all-powerful as Jim Carrey.

"Evan Almighty," with Carell taking over for Carrey in a follow-up to the comedy smash "Bruce Almighty," debuted a solid No. 1 with $32.1 million, though that was less than half the $68 million opening of its predecessor.

Released by Universal, "Evan Almighty" has Carell as a new congressman instructed by God (Morgan Freeman) to build an ark for a coming flood.

Carrey's "Bruce Almighty" was an adult comedy, while the PG-rated "Evan Almighty" was aimed at a family crowd, which could give it longer shelf life, said Nikki Rocco, head of distribution at Universal.

1. "Evan Almighty," $32.1 million.

2. "1408," $20.175 million.

3. "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer," $20.15 million.

4. "Ocean's Thirteen," $11.3 million.

5. "Knocked Up," $10.6 million.

By The Associated Press