Top Box Office Movies

Bedazzled (2000) 20th Century Fox
1 hr. 28 mins.
Starring: Brendan Fraser, Elizabeth Hurley, and Orlando Jones
Music by: David Newman
Directed by: Harold Ramis

Bedazzled

Rating:

E-MAIL GIANCARLO DE LISI

Photo: 20th Century Fox

Indulging in altruistic acts is something even the devil can forgive. That is the message one receives after watching Harold Ramis’ (Director of ‘Analyze This’) lackluster comedy Bedazzled. Brendan Fraser and Elizabeth Hurley star in this fantastical comedy of medium size proportions that delivers even smaller laughs. In a nutshell, Hurley plays the devil, yes, Satan, who eyes Fraser as a pitiful soul who could use a little redemption. In exchange for his pitiful soul, she offers him seven wishes that set the premise for this paper-thin plot.

The seven wishes that ensue are at times very comical skits, yet, it is important to understand that these scenes are strewn together that serve nothing more than to display Fraser’s acting range. The film features high production values that give it a touch of class. Watch for the introductory opening sequence centering on Fraser’s character as it is shot in a strobophobic and fast forward illusionary method.

It is safe to say that this film is another example of the Hollywood Machine cranking out another improperly produced comical film. It tries to achieve on many levels a concept of comedy that it ultimately cannot produce, while it tries to remain politically correct in the religious aspect of life. Also, we have the chance to see Fraser as an articulate and homosexual author, a Columbian drug Lord, and the world’s most sensitive guy who cries at every sun-fall. Just as this last sentence was in grammatical context a run-on sentence, in cinematic terms, so is this film. It wants to stretch out what seems to be a sketch that can only work on Saturday Night Live and turn it into a 90 minute affair. And as we have seen through a majority of SNL based movies, they do not turn out so well. Such is the case as this.

It wants to remain cute, showing us that it seems as if God and the Devil are great friends who enjoy playing chess on sunny afternoons. And as aforementioned, altruism is the ultimate sacrifice. But at the risk of sounding overtly analytical, I must admit this film had a few laughs. But I cannot help but feel that the wishing sequences were written in no particular order and cut together in the editing room simply to initiate laughs from the audience.

Am I being too rough? The opening wish sequence in which he is a Columbian Drug Lord jump starts the slow opening in a fast and comical way, but then slowly subsides into sequences that give Fraser’s character; Elliot Richards, a chance at doing anything and everything. It seems as if the filmmakers could not decide on one specific facet of a picturesque life and touched upon many different grounds, resulting in that being the film’s main and overpowering weakness.

Do not get me wrong; I enjoy a good laugh, as much as anybody, but a well done laugh is one that is retained by the audience for a longer period of time. One of the film’s few but fun surprises is up and coming comic actor Orlando Jones (the 7-Up commercial guy) who; in my opinion, was completely under-used on what could have been a star-turning performance. He simply is too talented to work on such a weak and disappointing film such as this.

It is safe to say that Bedazzled lures us in with the appetizing Elizabeth Hurley, gets us involved with the funny and surprising Brendan Fraser, and then disappoints us with the slow and unappealing progress the film uncoils itself in. The premise is interesting at first, but by the film’s second wish sequence, it was a sure bet this film was not going to be a substantial crowd-pleaser. Even the intermediate lags between wishes where Fraser returns to his normal life to wish again seem sluggish and improvised. And by the way, don’t forget about the Big Mac presented to Fraser at the beginning in case you actually will watch the film, it plays a significant part that results in a huge let-down that sets the quasi-climax for the film. Wait, let me correct that, there is no climax except for a 30 second special effect ridden scene that features Hurley’s transformation into the devil him/herself (depending your take).

Therefore, what keeps us watching is Hurley’s vivacious take as the sex-driven devil, and the film’s high quality of production savvy. But then again, this is a big disappointment considering it is from the director of the movie that re-invented the way we see mobsters today, ‘Analyze This’. Therefore it is safe to say that there is nothing Bedazzling about Bedazzled, and one more thing - The title has no relation to the film, resulting in another discomforting aspect that draws us away from the film. The only thing bedazzling about the film is seeing Hurley in a schoolgirl outfit, and that is about it. If you want to see Hurley display many costumes in a teasing way, view the film, if you want to laugh by watching a great film, watch this director’s previous effort – ‘Analyze This’.

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Giancarlo De Lisi
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