Review of Bedazzled

Elliot Richardson is not the most dynamic of protagonists; he is the sort of guy who tries too hard to be popular making him more annoying than likable and the woman he loves, co-worker Alison, is barely aware that he exists. Then one day he says he'd do anything if she would like him… the next thing he knows a stunning woman, who claims to be the Devil, offers him seven wishes in exchange for his soul. He doesn't take much persuasion. Unfortunately while his wishes are granted they aren't quite granted how he'd hoped; for example he wants to be rich, powerful and married to Alison… he becomes a drug lord, she is having an affair and hates him. The other wishes are similarly disastrous and ultimately he realises that perhaps making selfish wishes isn't a good way to get what you want.

Having not seen the original version I can't say how this compares. Brendan Fraser is decent enough as protagonist Elliot; unfortunately the character is neither particularly likable nor memorable. Liz Hurley stands out far more as possibly the sexiest version of The Devil on screen… helped by costumes that show off her attributes without going beyond what is acceptable in a 12 Certificate film. The story is fun enough but very episodic; each wish leads to what is effectively a short sketch. There are enough funny moments spread throughout the film even if some of them are a bit obvious. The ending is a bit twee but not enough to spoil the film. Overall this was fun enough but not really a must see.