"Yeah, most men think they're God, this one just happens to be right."
The 2000 remake of the 1967 film of the same name, tells the story of hopeless, and oblivious geek, Elliot Richards, who is granted seven wishes by the Devil to snare the girl of his dreams, in exchange for his eternal soul.
Brendan Fraser and Elizabeth Hurley are very well matched as Elliot and Satan, respectivley. Brendan Frasers' star doesn’t shine quite as bright as it used to but he was actually pretty decent in this. Hurley made a good satan but seeing as how this was the year 2000, is it too much to think anyone could’ve played her part. I think it’s fair to say career has taken a bit of a dip since in the 20 years since this films release. Seriously, what happened to Elizabeth Hurley? The first 15 or 20 minutes in, I recognized how much I couldn’t stand the lackluster writing, and atrocious boring dialogue. Also, during the beginning of the movie when they introduced Brandon’s character of Elliot, I thought it would've been a nice touch to throw on some glasses, but maybe that’s just me being picky. Also, "Why would you get in a ride with someone who claims to be the devil? Even if they can get it?"
I thought the most hilarious aspects of the movie were the special effects that clearly don't hold up like they used to, but I think it kind of lends to its' charm. Particularly in the first which sequence, where we see Elliot as a rich and powerful Colombian drug lord like Pablo Escobar. I wasn’t expecting his coworkers to make appearance as his cohorts but it was fun to see them all speaking Spanish as well. It really reminded me of the off-the-wall over the top humor of some of Adam Sandler‘s later career duds pre Uncut Gems. I will say that there is something pretty unique and engaging having the character of Satan portrayed as a woman. I’m trying to find the right words that really describe how I feel about it. It was during the second sequence where he’s an overly sensitive type, that I realized I am quite unfamiliar with his filmography. I think this is actually the third Brendan Fraser movie I’ve actually sat through all the way. The other two being George of the Jungle and Crash....no, you fucks, I haven’t seen any of The Mummy flicks...fight me.
I don’t think the green screen effects are supposed to be as obvious as they are, I think it’s more of a time getting away from this film period. However, it is a master class of sorts with regards to wardrobe, hair and make up departments, and to some degree, the acting of the supporting cast is given ample time to exercise their acting chops. Special shout outs to supporting actors Orlando Jones and Toby Huss, and all their hilarious contributions to the movie. I’m interested in seeing the original film this was based on, but probably even more interested in another update, in a social media driven, post “Me Too” culture. Who to cast in Brendan Fraser’s part though? My personal short list includes Kevin Hart, Bill Hader, John Boyega, John Cena, Chris Hemsworth, and Donald Glover. While I’m at it, I’d keep Satan as a sultry temptress and look at Karen Gillen, Mary Elisabeth Olson, Florence Pugh, Zazie Beetz, Tessa Thompson, and Ana de Armas.
In conclusion, near the end of the film, there are some messages on religion, and Heaven and Hell, that I wouldn't call undertones. I'll leave that conversation to folks better suited to speak on it, than myself. It’s watchable, adequately entertains, but an ultimately forgettable comedy, that seems doomed to never attain that cult status. Strangely enough, I honestly feel its' shortcomings as a film lend to its charm. Watch it if you're a fan of either lead, before both their stars faded out of the mainstream. It is not a Ricky Nixx Film.
Director: Harold Ramis
Writers: Peter Cook (based on the motion picture screenplay by)
Stars: Brendan Fraser, Elizabeth Hurley, Frances O'Connor