Bedazzled MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -1 1/2

In this humorous variation on the Faust legend, Elliot Richards (Brendan Fraser) tries hard to be friendly and fit in with his co-workers, but his nerdy personality drives them away. He worships the attractive Alison Gardener (Frances OConnor) from afar because he cant get the nerve to talk to her. But when he says hed give anything to have Alison in his life, an attractive woman in red offers him seven wishes in exchange for his soul. The devil (Elizabeth Hurley) encourages and even coaches Elliot in his wishes as he tries being rich and powerful, emotionally sensitive, a famous sports figure, an intellectual giant with manhood to match and even U.S. president.. Each time, Elliot finds a problem with his wish. But no ones ever accused the devil of being fair. With only one wish left, Elliot has to find a loophole in the contract or lose his soul. Fraser and Hurley prove temptation can be sinfully funny.

This remake of a 1967 British comedy strives more for laughs than theology, however, a few comments about prayer, souls belonging to God and the nature of the devil ring true. Elliot turns to the church for help, asking a priest how to talk to God. But Elliot wants a face to face interview like hes getting with the devil. Elliot later comments that he sold his soul and got nothing for it. Although Elliot expresses a traditional view of faithfulness in marriage, the Alison of his devil s wishes implies adultery, promiscuous sex and immorality. Much of the language is sexually oriented and includes numerous slang and anatomical terms for genitals. In one wish, Elliot becomes a Colombian drug lord and a man is shown with cocaine powder on his face. Unfortunately, the explicit sexual content darkens BEDAZZLED.

Preview Reviewer: Paul Bicking
Distributor: 20th Century Fox, 10201 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035