| Lowest Recommended Age: | Mature High Schooler |
| MPAA Rating: | Rated PG-13 for sex-related humor, language and some drug content |
| Profanity: | Some strong language |
| Nudity/Sex: | Sexual references and non-explicit situations |
| Alcohol/Drugs: | Drinking, smoking |
| Violence/Scariness: | Comic peril and violence |
| Diversity Issues: | Diverse characters |
| Movie Release Date: | 2000 |
This week, both versions of the Faustian comedy Bedazzled 
In the remake, directed by Harold Ramis (“Analyze This”), Brendan Fraser stars as the lowly cubicle worker who dreams of romance with a pretty co-worker (Frances O’Connor). The devil is a devilishly seductive Elizabeth Hurley. It is not nearly as witty as the first version, but it has superb comic performances and now and then a bit of ambition, like the understated portrayal of God, who shows up incognito to provide some support and guidance.
NOTE: Both with some mature material — recommended for mature teens and adults.
posted June 10, 2008 at 7:03 am
Thanks for the recommendation. I notice that one of the Bedazzled movies is available for instant viewing on Netflix! I don’t know if you are a Netflix customer, but I have found that most of the instant viewing items are either awful or not suitable for family viewing. I’ll have to keep your book next to the computer and see if I can find some of the “classics” you recommend, on the Netflix instant viewing list.
Sadly, I have been unable to persuade my family to watch “National Velvet.” The leader of the rebellion is my 13-year-old son. I can’t convince him he’d like it.
posted June 10, 2008 at 9:16 am
I’ve just added a note to make it clear that both versions of “Bedazzled” have some mature material. But I think clever, smart-alecky teens (and what other kind are there?) will appreciate them.
I recommend you get “National Velvet” for yourself! At worst, you’ll get to watch a great movie and at best, once you tell him he can’t watch it, you’ll pique his interest!
posted June 10, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I haven’t seen the new version, but caught the original for the first time about a year ago – it was really good, and so funny.