FamilyFans Movies
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BEDAZZLED
Plot Summary
: A nerdy, lovesick computer tech strikes a deal with Satan in an attempt to win the love of a girl.Reason for the Rating
: Sex-related humor, language and some drug content.I know I’m going to take some heat from my Christian brothers and sisters about this, but…I really liked this movie!
No, BEDAZZLED isn’t perfect—and it’s certainly not appropriate viewing for children. The motion picture contains mildly crude sexual humor (though no nudity or sexual situations), a few foul words, and a scene of hell that might be scary for young ones. But for a reasonably mature teenager accompanied by his or her parent(s), this would be a great film to enjoy—and discuss—together.
Here’s the story: Elliot Richards (played by Brendan Fraser) is a nerdy, socially inept loser who works as a computer tech support guy in San Francisco. Also working in his office is the lovely Alison Gardner (Frances O’Connor), the woman Elliot loves from afar. To win this girl, Elliot strikes a deal with Satan (Elizabeth Hurley). In return for seven wishes, the computer nerd will sign his soul away for eternity. And that’s where the fun begins.
Well paced, visually impressive, and boasting more than a few laughs, BEDAZZLED certainly has light-hearted entertainment value—but that’s not what makes this a must-see for you and your teens. Surprisingly, it’s the deliciously devious portrayal of Satan by Hurley that gives this film its FamilyFans.com appeal. Here’s why:
Hurley’s Satan is sympathetic, sexy, flattering, slick, and seductive. A flashy and fashionable gal-pal who simply oozes coolness, attentiveness, and the attraction of being best friends with the leader of the "in" crowd. At the same time, she exhibits a casual cruelty and deadly deceitfulness that works to distort every wish Elliot makes into a nightmare more miserable than the one before it. She promises everything—and delivers nothing.
In
short, she acts just like Satan does in real life!
Poor Elliot is no match for this devil, and without a little timely intervention by an undercover angel, he would be doomed. But this is a comedy and thus has the happy ending we don’t always get in real life—and I’m glad. It makes for both a thoughtful and funny, feel-good film that FamilyFans.com can easily recommend.
FamilyFans.com Recommends
: Take your teen (and maybe a few of his or her friends) to see this movie. Then grab a coke afterward and spend some time talking about the realities behind the comedy presented in BEDAZZLED.After the Show…
If members of your family choose to view this movie, use these questions to spark discussion about it afterward:--On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being the best), how would you rate Elizabeth Hurley’s portrayal of Satan? Explain your answer.
--When do you feel like a loser like Elliot? How might God help you in times like those?
--Why do you suppose we are so easily deceived by Satan’s flashy schemes? What can we do this week to keep from being deceived like Elliot was?
Mike Nappa
MovieFact #3: The devil’s two ferocious dogs in this movie—"Peter" and "Dudley"—were named after the two stars who portrayed the lead characters in the 1967 version of BEDAZZLED: Peter Cook and Dudley Moore.
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