Okay, pop that tape in – or maybe slide that shiny new DVD into the player, because we’re landing right at the turn of the millennium today. Remember the year 2000? The Y2K bug turned out to be a dud, boy bands ruled the airwaves, and Brendan Fraser was absolutely everywhere. Nestled amongst the dot-com boom and frosted tips was a devilishly fun comedy that offered a simple premise with endlessly entertaining results: Bedazzled. Directed by the late, great Harold Ramis, this flick felt like one of the last hurrahs of that specific brand of high-concept, star-driven comedy before things shifted again.
### Seven Wishes, Infinite Laughs (Mostly)
The setup is classic Faust, filtered through a distinctly late-90s/early-2000s lens. Elliot Richards (Brendan Fraser), a hopelessly dorky and socially invisible tech support guy, is head-over-heels for his colleague, Alison Gardner (Frances O'Connor), who barely knows he exists. Enter the Devil, not as some horned beast, but as Elizabeth Hurley in a dazzling array of outfits that probably cost more than the entire IT department's budget. She offers Elliot seven wishes in exchange for his soul. What could possibly go wrong? As anyone who’s ever seen a genie movie knows: everything.
This premise is a fantastic playground for Fraser, letting him showcase the incredible comedic range and fearless physicality that made him such a beloved star. Each wish transforms Elliot into a completely different persona – a ridiculously sensitive emotional wreck, a towering (and hilariously endowed) basketball superstar, a suave intellectual who discovers his lover prefers... well, let's just say less sophisticated company. Fraser dives into each caricature with infectious gusto. Remember that "sensitive guy" sequence on the beach? Pure comedic gold, perfectly capturing that slightly awkward, trying-too-hard vibe of the era. It's a performance that reminds you just how versatile and game Fraser was.
### The Devil Wears... Everything
And then there's Elizabeth Hurley as the Prince (or Princess?) of Darkness. Forget fire and brimstone; this Devil tempts with killer smiles, witty put-downs, and a wardrobe that could make fashion editors weep with envy. Seriously, tracking her costume changes became part of the fun of watching. Retro Fun Fact: Hurley reportedly had over 20 distinct looks created for the film, each designed to perfectly match the scene's mood and her manipulative tactics. She’s not just evil; she's fabulously evil, delivering lines dripping with sarcastic charm. It’s a performance that fully leans into the camp, and it works beautifully opposite Fraser's earnest loser-dom.
This film, of course, is a remake of the brilliant 1967 British satire starring Peter Cook and Dudley Moore. While the original was perhaps sharper and more biting in its social commentary, Harold Ramis (Groundhog Day, Caddyshack) brings his own unique comedic sensibility to this version. He knows how to structure a gag and build a scene for maximum laughs, even if the overall tone is lighter and broader than the '67 film. Ramis, who also co-wrote this adaptation alongside Larry Gelbart and Peter Tolan, ensures the pacing stays brisk as Elliot careens from one disastrous wish-fulfillment scenario to the next. Another Retro Fun Fact: Ramis initially wasn't sure about remaking such a beloved classic but was won over by the potential to update the concept and work with Fraser.
### Y2K Sparkle and Comedic Mayhem
Visually, Bedazzled definitely has that glossy, bright look common in comedies from the cusp of the new millennium. While not relying on the gritty practical effects of an 80s action flick, the wish sequences often employed what was then state-of-the-art CGI to achieve their fantastical transformations and settings. Think of the giant demon rising at the basketball game or the chaos of the "rich and powerful" wish gone wrong. It doesn't have the tangible weight of an old-school explosion, perhaps, but for its time, the effects served the comedy well, creating visual punchlines that felt slick and modern back on our bulky CRT screens. Contrast this with Fraser’s very real pratfalls and physical comedy – especially during the basketball sequence, where Fraser, ever the trooper, apparently performed a good chunk of the demanding physical work himself.
The supporting cast, including Frances O'Connor as the initially oblivious Alison and Orlando Jones popping up in various amusing guises tied to Elliot's wishes, adds solid flavour. The San Francisco locations provide a nice backdrop, grounding the fantastical elements. While it wasn't a critical darling upon release (reviews were pretty mixed, often comparing it unfavourably to the original), audiences responded warmly. It pulled in around $90 million worldwide against a $48 million budget – a decent return, making it a popular choice down at the local Blockbuster or Hollywood Video. I definitely remember seeing that red dress cover art staring back from the "New Releases" wall countless times. It became one of those reliable go-to rentals for a guaranteed laugh.
### Final Judgment from the Bargain Bin
Does Bedazzled hold up perfectly today? Maybe not entirely. Some jokes land better than others, and the overall structure feels familiar. But its charm is undeniable, largely thanks to the winning combination of Brendan Fraser at his comedic peak and Elizabeth Hurley delivering an iconic, wickedly fun performance. Harold Ramis keeps the whole thing bouncing along with professional ease. It’s a light, breezy, and often genuinely funny trip back to a time when comedies felt big, bright, and refreshingly straightforward.
Rating: 7/10
The score reflects a film that’s immensely likable and entertaining, fueled by star power and a fun concept, even if it doesn't quite reach comedic genius status. It’s a perfect slice of turn-of-the-millennium comfort food cinema.
Final Thought: A hellishly good time capsule, Bedazzled proves that even if the Devil's in the details (and the wardrobe), sometimes a simple wish for pure entertainment is exactly what gets granted. Definitely worth digging out of the archives.