Released on: 20 Oct 2000 • Rated: PG-13 • Runtime: 93 min
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
Director: Harold Ramis
Writer: Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, Larry Gelbart
Actors: Brendan Fraser, Elizabeth Hurley, Frances O’Connor
Plot: Hopeless dweeb Elliot Richards is granted seven wishes by the Devil to snare Allison, the girl of his dreams, in exchange for his soul.
Box Office Gross: $37,886,980
Awards: 1 win & 3 nominations
6.1/10
50%
64
60
2.9
49
Few films manage to mix slapstick comedy, Faustian bargains, and a surprising amount of heart quite like Bedazzled (2000). Directed by Harold Ramis and starring Brendan Fraser and Elizabeth Hurley, this remake of the 1967 British classic brings an absurd yet charming take on the consequences of wishing for a better life. Whether you’re here for Fraser’s hilariously over-the-top characters or Hurley’s devilishly charismatic performance, Bedazzled is a sinful delight worth revisiting.
The film follows Elliot Richards (Brendan Fraser), a socially awkward, hopelessly uncool office worker who pines for his beautiful coworker, Alison (Frances O’Connor). After one particularly embarrassing day, Elliot’s despair attracts the attention of none other than the Devil herself (Elizabeth Hurley), who offers him a tempting deal: seven wishes in exchange for his soul.
Elliot agrees, thinking he can finally win Alison’s love, but the Devil has other plans. Each wish spirals into absurdity, with Elliot’s fantasies twisting into ironic nightmares. From becoming an impossibly suave drug lord to an ultra-sensitive poet, each scenario showcases Fraser’s comedic range while delivering a cheeky lesson in the perils of greed and self-delusion.
Fraser’s performance is the heart and soul (pun intended) of the film. He’s lovable as the hapless everyman and downright hysterical as he transforms into exaggerated versions of his wishes. Whether he’s shouting in Spanish as a drug lord or sobbing uncontrollably as an overly sensitive artist, Fraser’s commitment to the comedy is unmatched.
Elizabeth Hurley’s Devil is equal parts sultry and sardonic. Dressed to kill in an array of iconic red outfits, she oozes confidence and charm, making it easy to see why Elliot falls for her tricks. Hurley’s performance walks the perfect line between playful and menacing, ensuring the Devil is as entertaining as she is devious.
While Alison serves more as a plot device than a fully fleshed-out character, Frances O’Connor’s performance brings warmth and subtlety to her role. She’s the idealized love interest Elliot chases throughout the film, but her moments of sincerity remind us that true connection can’t be manufactured.
The humor in Bedazzled ranges from slapstick to clever wordplay, with plenty of sight gags and absurd scenarios thrown in. Each wish Elliot makes leads to increasingly ridiculous outcomes, from being the world’s greatest basketball player (complete with a hysterically exaggerated persona) to a hyper-intellectual Nobel Prize-winning author who’s hopelessly boring.
Fraser’s physical comedy shines throughout, but the script also delivers sharp dialogue and plenty of witty exchanges between Elliot and the Devil. Hurley’s deadpan delivery adds a layer of sophistication to the film’s silliness, making even the most absurd moments feel clever.
Beneath the comedy, Bedazzled offers a surprisingly thoughtful exploration of self-worth and authenticity. Elliot’s misguided attempts to change himself highlight the importance of accepting who you are rather than chasing unrealistic ideals. The film’s ending, while somewhat predictable, delivers a heartwarming message about finding happiness within.
The production design leans heavily into the film’s whimsical tone, with the Devil’s flashy outfits and elaborate wish scenarios providing plenty of visual flair. From tropical mansions to moody Gothic castles, each setting feels like its own mini-movie, immersing viewers in Elliot’s outlandish fantasies. The special effects are campy but effective, adding to the film’s lighthearted charm.
Bedazzled may not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it’s a wildly entertaining ride that showcases Brendan Fraser and Elizabeth Hurley at their comedic best. With its clever humor, over-the-top scenarios, and a surprisingly heartfelt message, the film remains a delightful watch for anyone looking for a lighthearted take on the classic “sell your soul” story.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, Bedazzled offers plenty of laughs and just the right amount of devilish charm. So, go ahead—make a wish and enjoy the ride.
Rating: 7.5/10 Sinful Laughs
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Movie details, where to watch, and movie poster provided by TMDB, with permission.