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SUNNY Temp: 89 °F Wind: NNW at 12 mph Tuesday, June 3, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend May 30, 2003 ‘Bruce’ phone calls pester real folks Staff and wire reports Even the most "unchurched" state in the union has been hit by the "Bruce Almighty" phone uproar. Skip and Janet Magee of Medford share the same common exchange phone number as the one used as God’s phone in the new movie "Bruce Almighty." "They start calling about 5 a.m. and keep it up to 11:30 p.m.," Skip said. "I have Caller ID, so if I don’t recognize the number I just answer saying ‘Hello, this is God.’ " The Magees have received hundreds of phone calls for God since the movie’s release on Friday. They’re not alone. Advertisement Usually, movies and TV shows use the telephone exchange "555," which is not used for homes and businesses. But "Bruce Almighty" used a seven-digit number valid in many parts of the country. A database search turned up more than 30 listings nationwide for the number in the movie, and many of those people, like the Magees, have tired of playing God’s receptionist. "It’s already very annoying," Skip said. "I tried calling Universal Studios, but they won’t return my phone calls. I’ve hired an attorney." Janet said their attorney advised they keep track of the phone calls until they decide if any legal action can be taken. She would like to see the movie edited to remove the phone number that her family has had for 22 years, but hopes at least that people will realize that their calls disrupt an ordinary family’s life and stop calling. The callers have ranged from pranksters to a church youth minister. Most callers hang up as soon as someone answers; some are jokesters and a few really seem to be seeking something greater than themselves, Janet said. She advises people to reach God through prayer, not the phone lines. "This youth minister heard some of the kids at his church talk about it and he was curious so he called," Skip said. There also have been two poignant calls from a young boy who apparently thinks the number is real. "This boy has prayed both times he called. Once he prayed for about five minutes about his homework and that he doesn’t have much of a social life," Skip said. Only one number in Washington state matches the same digits shown in the movie. It’s the number for a dentist’s office located north of Seattle. According to a receptionist, there have been about five calls since the movie debuted. "What has me worried is what’s going to happen when the movie comes out on DVD," Skip said. Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times