Bedazzled film review

certificate_15

BEDAZZLED

Yet again Hollywood has gone to the vaults in search of inspiration. This time they've dusted off the old 1967 chestnut Bedazzled, originally starring Dudley Moore and Peter Cook. Cook, who is the credited writer on both films, also owes a nod to German mythology where the legend of Faust originated.

Selling your soul to the devil is always a good basis for a story, but when the devil is Elizabeth Hurley in red leather then things have an added appeal. Director Harold Ramis has a healthy sense of the absurd, which is given free range with this tale of a lonely, nerdy techno boffin Elliot Richardson (Brendan Fraser) who is besotted with his beautiful work colleague Allison (Frances O'Connor). Elliot's casually uttered claim that he would do anything to be with Allison solicits the appearance of a provocative Hurley in a figure hugging red dress who, not looking like your typical image of the devil, has a tough time convincing Elliot of her satanic credentials.

With the promise of fulfilling seven of Elliot's wishes in exchange for his soul, she finally persuades him to sign the contract and wish away. The ensuing chapters in Elliot's forlorn quest to conjure an idyllic life involving him and Allison naturally go a little awry. His wish to be a rich and powerful man married to Allison didn't include becoming a Colombian drug lord with a philandering wife.

His next wish turns him unwittingly into an overly sensitive renaissance man who weeps at the beauty of sunsets. His next sees him become a dumb redneck albino basketball player whose huge size turns out not to be reflected in every aspect of his anatomy.

Fraser is perfect in the role of Elliot. His ability to transform himself into the wide range of characters allows full vent to his genuine comic gift. That, coupled with Fraser's open and simple charm, make us root for Elliot even when he's at his most exasperating. And, as each new wish provides Fraser with the opportunity to show off his talent, so the same can be said for Hurley whose obvious talents are given plenty of exposure in the countless outfits she almost wears. Pouting her way wickedly throughout, Hurley may not have the comic genius of Peter Cook, who played the devil in the original, but there's no disputing that Hurley has a better wardrobe.