The classic Faustian theme about selling one’s soul to the Devil sets the stage for Brendan Fraser’s tour de force performance in Bedazzled. This versatile actor is simply incredible as Elliot Richards, a lovesick nerd who becomes five very different characters during the film’s hilarious wish sequences. I thought Fraser could never be any funnier than he was in George of the Jungle, but I was so wrong!

Ably assisted by glamorous Elizabeth Hurley (from the Austin Powers flicks) as Satan and lovely Frances O’Connor (Mansfield Park) as the object of his desire, Fraser uses his innate flair for comedy and considerable physical skills to make each character he portrays here as amusing as possible. In the opening scenes, he looks so pathetic it’s hard to believe this is the same man who played such a convincing action-hero in The Mummy. When he changes into his other personas --- a powerful Colombian drug lord, a debonair winner of the Pulitzer Prize, an ultra-sensitive suitor, a gigantic basketball star, and a U. S. President, he’s just as amazing.

Director Harold Ramis (Analyze This) explains best what Fraser brought to this movie when he says, "Brendan has the soul of a misfit in the body of a hero. He is handsome, and has tremendous strength and energy, yet he can also be really goofy, completely self-effacing and humble. "

Fraser’s talent for appearing sincere as well as humorous serves him particularly well in one of Bedazzled’s wittiest scenes. After wishing to be the world’s most sensitive man, Elliot weeps at the sunset and can barely look into his loved one’s eyes without being overcome with emotion. Flattered at first, the woman leaves him for someone who doesn’t respect her so much. As she walks away, Elliot looks at the sky and cries, "Will that damn sun never set!"

Although a remake of the 1967 film comedy starring Dudley Moore and Peter Cook, this Bedazzled emerges as edgier and even more outrageous. Casting a woman as the Devil adds a new twist to the legendary Faust tale, and Hurley’s playful, sexy interpretation of the role works remarkably well. Fabulous costumes by designer Deena Appel give Hurley’s Satan a kind of decadent Zeigfield Girl look. Seductive red dresses, a kinky red coat, a flamboyant red feather jacket, and shiny red snakeskin boots are among her haute couture choices. She does wear one white angel gown but insists, "It’s a Halloween costume."

Watching the delightful interplay between Fraser and Hurley made me want to see more of these stars together on screen. Hurley’s elegant British accent and saucy manner complement Fraser’s comedic appeal. I loved how Fraser’s Elliot appeared so indignant about the Devil’s constant sabotage of his wishes and the way Hurley’s Satan always gave him a look of mock surprise at this accusation. I think a Fraser/Hurley team would be terrific in updated versions of those old Gary Grant, Katharine Hepburn films like Bringing Up Baby.

Happily, winning Elliot’s soul turns out to be no easy task for the naughty Devil. Good wins out over Evil, and Elliott not only learns to be more accepting of himself but also to be careful about what he wishes for. How refreshing to receive this important moral lesson in such an entertaining way!

(Released by 20^th Century Fox and rated "PG-13" for sex-related humor, language, and some drug content.)