Bedazzled (2000)

Captivating, titillating and an absolutely eye-opening ride of a man's journey to find happiness with some help from a "hot as hell" accomplice. Brendan Fraser is a one man show and Liz Hurley provides the eye candy that comes along with an impressive performance as the eloquently devious myth we call "The Devil".

Elliot Richards (Brendan Fraser) is a wimpy, dorky worker at a company in San Francisco. Derided by most of his co-workers and spending his off time alone in front of the television, he wishes he could go out with one of his co-workers by the name of Allison. What he doesn't know is that "The Devil" (Elizabeth Hurley) is right on his tail, and is willing to make a deal with him for his own benefit. She manipulates him by her magical powers to make anything in the world become a reality for Elliot. Knowing that Elliot has a soft spot and would like to turn his life around, she offers him a contract to perform seven wishes on his command if after those seven wishes, he will give up his soul to her. Delirious and desperate, Elliot accepts the offer and his wish is her command. Little does he know of the devil's underhanded ways of turning wishes against him and as Elliot grows more frustrated with each subsequent wish, the more he questions whether this whole experience is really worth his time when he could be doing much more meaningful things with his life. More headstrong and wise than before, Elliot wants to terminate his contract but the Devil is still the Devil by all means, and is she really willing to lose an extra soul on her cumulative list with the kind of reputation and connotations she has gained over the years? Does the devil know the meaning of mercy?

This is definitely a lighthearted feel good romantic comedy that makes you laugh out loud and admire the work of the actors presented on screen. Not only did Brendan Fraser have to perform his role as Elliot, but he also had to devote his abilities to the many other personalities which he wished he would become. I think that people don't give him enough credit for that and it really does stretch his acting abilities despite the labels many people have put on him. Elizabeth Hurley was of course showstopping in her role as the baddest and naughtiest legend out there. From the way she delivered her witty and articulate dialogue, to the way she made the audience melt in envy of her figure and sultry looks, Elizabeth Hurley was the perfect actress to play this role. The special effects were a little bit corny though and the make-up work done on Brendan Fraser for his various character changes made him look, at times, repulsive and bizarre; but I suppose it was done to match the kind of person he wanted to be, despite that strange feeling that nobody would ever want to be with any of those characters, especially Allison.

This film is a typical "be careful what you wish for" tale that questions what most people want to have in their lives compared to what really makes them happy. There is a difference between wants and needs which is taught even in an economics class. Elliot's character is a hopeless romantic, who assumes that the only way he can be happy is with Allison, and thinks that the Devil can grant him his wish without any kind of catches or underhanded tricks from her side. But he completely forgot with who he's dealing with and was hypnotized by the sheer opportunity to make his dreams come true. Lucky for him, he decided to give away his last wish for Allison and so his soul was saved, but you have to give credit to the Devil for making Elliot go through all those unsuccessful attempts of wooing Allison and making him see the light and seeing that you have to "go with the flow" for something to happen and not wait for a piano to fall from the sky. In the end, he became a much more confident and wholesome person with a bit more substance and wisdom to his character and personality. This also draws out the question of the many misconceptions we have toward people with a bad reputation or a stain on their past. Although the devil is perceived to be the source of all evil on Earth, she has taught Elliot a valuable lesson that will last him a lifetime and at the same time, obliterating the notion that all those who are perceived to be a burden to society don't deserve a chance to prove themselves worthy of a place among the rest of us. We need to give each other a chance no matter what unfavorable events we took part in and only then will the goodness in all of us be seen and bloom for all the world to see.

Bedazzled may not be a very recognized film among most movie-goers but it definitely stands out as a funny, intelligent and satirical look at society and what most of us want in our lives based on what ideals society has imposed on us in the past and present. When you want to be taught a lesson, why not get the Devil in Elizabeth Hurley's body to do the dirty work and direct you to the path that would let you see things from a new perspective and appreciate what you already have in life. There is always room for improvement but don't let the things you wish you had, blind you from what you do have in the here and now.

Dumb and Dumber (1994)

From the makers of some of the funniest and heartfelt films of all time, is a story of two boneheads looking to make it to the winner's circle against all odds. Due to their foolish demeanor and low intelligence levels, they get caught up in some amusing situations which will surely crack you up in a matter of seconds.

Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) is a limo driver. He is on his way to drive a wealthy woman to the airport. Sparks start flying in Lloyd's head and he has developed an immediate attraction to the woman by the name of Mary Swanson (Lauren Holly). He sees her leaving a briefcase in the terminal and sprints to give it back to her, but what he doesn't know is that the briefcase carries a stash of money needed to free one of Mary's relatives from a kidnapper. The two thugs hired for the job are dumbfounded when Lloyd scurries to take away the briefcase with him and follow him back to his apartment. Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels) grooms dogs for a living and gets into some trouble of his own during the day as well. With both the guys fired from their jobs, they contemplate on their current situation and how they're supposed to start their pet shop business and pay rent when they have no more funds left. Lloyd, however, convinces Harry to go on a roadtrip to Aspen, Colorado to find Mary and not only give her back the briefcase but hopefully live the sweet life as well after all that they've been through. The buddies get going on their roadtrip but not without a few laughs and hilarious situations along the way. The thugs are still right on their tails but they're totally oblivious and focused on the task at hand: getting to Aspen. Will Lloyd get a chance to deliver the one-two punch when arriving in Aspen or will Harry step up and take the initiative for him? All's well that ends well, right?

My first reaction to seeing this film was the relentless pain that my stomach endured during the film. It's really that funny! From the dialogue to the setting and appearance of the two main characters, it's enough to make even the sourest person gleeful. The overall production of the film doesn't seem overworked and the film rides entirely on the shoulders of the actors and how they deliver their interpretation of these unforgettable characters to the viewers. Some effects were in order but they don't seem to overshadow the work of the actors and the overall plotline whatsoever, making the film that much more genuine and credible in the eyes of the viewer. Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels became breakthrough stars in this film, and I could see by the spark in their eyes how dedicated and devoted they were to executing every detail to the peak of perfection. People may not know this, but it's a lot more difficult to act in comedies, I think, as opposed to drama because not only do you have to transform yourself into the person you are playing and make it authentic, but you also have to figure out the approach and technique that you are taking to perform the comedic sequences, and both these actors have done a phenomenal job with this aspect of acting in a comedy.

The symbolic message that this film sends is of course the parallels that Lloyd and Harry have with most of America. Of course most of us aren't as daft and unintelligent as the two characters portrayed in the film, but our goals aren't that different. We are all under the illusion of wanting to live the American Dream and that's just what Lloyd and Harry set out to do. We all want the expensive cars and the designer clothing while living the sweet life of being able to vacation in spots like Aspen, but the truth is that our financial or society status doesn't allow it. There are many different notion of what a good life should be for each person but what they don't want to hear is that they have to work hard for the chance to get there, and that kind of attitude and commitment has to come at an early age if you want to have a chance at winning the prize. Americans, when overlooked by foreigners, have gained a character of being brash and impulsive when an idea comes into their mind. This kind of mindset is like a fork in the road; it could set off a chain reaction that leads to success or it could be a short-lived venture that only seems great while you're in the moment, but definitely not in the long-term. Blinded by our vision of Hollywood stars, mansions and the glamorous lives a few fortunate people lead, people who immigrate and who are also born and raised in the USA don't realize that it is all very superficial and happiness doesn't lie in the status of being famous and abundantly wealthy, but rather being happy in your personal life and finding an occupation that you are really passionate about while wanting to improve your skills and gain experience in that field, is what should be on every person's priority list. On the other hand it's also about friendship and being able to forgive and forget all the unfortunate situations that you have been caught up in. Although Lloyd and Harry didn't catch their big break, in the end -- due to their slow wits -- they still have each other, and that bond is worth more to them than anything.

Overall, it's a legendary film that will definitely stand the test of time and also one which presents a lot of interesting concepts about our society and the wants of every regular American lone ranger in this stupendous land which offers a bounty of opportunities to those who want it and need it the most. By the way, see if you can guess which of the two is dumb and which one is dumber. I think Lloyd is dumber than Harry but it will be interesting to see your point of view on this continuous debate.

Charade (1963)

A mind-boggling suspense thriller with hints of mystery, comedy and romance all mixed in to give you one of the most exciting films featuring the Hollywood starlet Audrey Hepburn alongside old Hollywood's leading man, Cary Grant. Charade takes unexpected turns and keeps your mind on its toes while you're not able to turn your eyes away from the screen's leading duo and the events that unfold during their unfortunate predicament and developing relationship.

Regina "Reggie" Lampert (Audrey Hepburn) thought she knew everything about her husband, but when he is found dead and the police uncover his many secret identities, Regina is pushed to the brink of suspicion. She finds that everything in her apartment has been sold by her husband but cannot find the reason behind his motives. At the funeral of her husband, Reggie encounters three men who seem to all have a history with her husband and is frightened by their presence once she gets invited to the U.S. Embassy, where a man called Mr. Bartholomew (Walter Matthau) who works for the CIA, shows her a picture of the three rascals with her husband during WWII. She finds out that the four of them stole government money that they were supposed to deliver to the French Resistance, but instead buried it and got ambushed by the Germans. They had an extra accomplice Carson Dyle, who helped them execute this plan but he was shot by the Germans and left to die by the other four. Reggie's husband then double-crossed them all and dug up the money for himself and used it for his own benefit without his wife ever knowing of his past. In the midst of things she meets a man called Peter Joshua (Cary Grant) who offers to help her find the money her husband has stolen but the threesome are already ahead of them and start to stalk Reggie, every now and then menacing her to find the money for her own safety as well as Peter's. Things are not as they seem and Reggie has to be prepared for every instance of change in this game where bewilderment and surprises are not only inevitable but mandatory. Getting to the bottom of this will take risk and loss, but you'll never guess who the real culprit is by the end of it all.

Almost Hitchcock-ian in feel, from the gloomy sets to the frightening murder scenes, it's definitely one of the most memorable suspense thrillers from the old Hollywood classics. Audrey Hepburn's wardrobe is to die for and she is just as ravishing and intriguing as her signature character from Breakfast at Tiffany's with maybe a bit more intellect but with just as much charisma. Although in one of his last film roles, Cary Grant doesn't disappoint in the role of the suave male protagonist. Notable for his gentle nature towards his female co-stars, this role is no exception and he is the perfect leading man, displaying all the favorable qualities that women dream of. All the other actors left a strong impression on me by the way they played each character with such depth and distinctness. The characters weave a heavy web around the audience and it's not until the very end that you find out who each of them is. This is what makes this film a true classic and one that can be watched many times over especially with some accompanying humor on the side.

The theme of the movie would probably have to be one's identity -- hence the title -- and revenge. The character who turns out to be the main killer in the end has been bottling up all of his anger towards the others and has finally set off the catalyst which would bring all the others together so he could finish them off one by one. Cary Grant's character also doesn't turn out to be who he says he is, but then again, you can expect the unexpected from a movie with such a title. Audrey's character is the one caught in the middle of a crime which sets off a chain reaction that sends her head swerving and her instincts on the alert. Down the rabbit hole, her trust towards those around her is tested in the most relentless of ways and I think that all people are sometimes deceived by those surrounding them whether they are the ones who are closest to them or those who they work with, bankers, shop owners and even the people who represent themselves as the authority on our lives. We all wear masks to hide the hideous creatures we sometimes tend to be and the habits or the experiences that mark our lives forever. All humans have an intuition to display prudence in the eyes of those who we wish to impress or in some cases mislead, but sometimes we do it unknowingly without feeling we are at fault. We all make mistakes and some of those mistakes turn our lives around for better or worse and we need to be able to admit them to someone we truly trust and know inside-and-out while at the same time have an ability to forgive ourselves, learn from our mistakes and move on in life to reach the goals we have set forth from the beginning. Those mistakes can ultimately guide future generations to not make the same mistakes that you did and making the world a better place; all you have to do is look at the situation from all sides and from many different perspectives, and everything will be alright.

Pretty deep, huh? Well, I guess that would be all from me, so if you didn't see this movie yet, you have to go see it. It really is an engaging experience that will set your brain cells boiling to figure out who is who, while admiring the chemistry between the two main actors and the priceless dialogue in between. Also, take the time to admire the memorable opening titles. Mesmerizing.

Labyrinth (1986)

A well-known classic and one of the finest films that Jim Henson has ever created, Labyrinth not only marks the highlight of David Bowie's acting career but also Jennifer Connelly's first mainstream role. The fantastic imagination and set designs which were created in the mind of one of the legendary storytellers of all time, also brings to us a message of wisdom and a newfound perspective on life.

Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) is a teenage girl who hides all her problems by wrapping herself in a veil of toys and imaginary creatures from the many stories she has read. Frustrated by her existence in a household where she has to take care of her half-brother, Toby while her father and stepmother go out to dinners and resort to being alone without the kids. One day, when the rain starts pouring, Sarah is irritated by her parents' demand to watch her baby brother again and locks herself in her room, wallowing in self-pity and deeming her whole family an obstruction to her happiness. She notices that one of her beloved toys has disappeared from her shelf and finds it in Toby's room. She wishes she could make him disappear and turn him into a goblin just like in one of her books which is called Labyrinth. She goes back to her room and notices that Toby has stopped crying. Upon entering his room, she finds his bed empty and a certain eeriness has fallen over the place. The Goblin King (David Bowie) then appears and she immediately begs for him to bring her brother back, but he asserts that her wish is his command and if she wishes to bring him back, she'll have to go through the maze that leads to his castle. This is where he's keeping Toby and she has just 13 hours to complete the quest. When time runs out, her brother will be turned into a goblin and stay at the castle forever. Along the way, she meets some perplexing and unimaginable creatures who help her in any way they can but ultimately coax her into realizing her own strength and potential to solve this puzzle and help her baby brother. The question is, will the Goblin King hinder her progress in the labyrinth and ultimately destroy all those who are willing to help her along the way. See for yourself and watch the event that occur in this unforgettable story.

For a movie made in the 1980's, where there basically wasn't any CGI, this movie has to take the cake for production and set design. From the clothing to the concept artwork and inspirations, this is the epitome of a fantasy film, which happens to also be aimed at a younger audience. It is one of David Bowie's more well-known roles that also captures his ostentatious stage persona while exuding words of wisdom. Everyone thinks that him wearing tights was a bit risqué for a children's film, but when you look at it from a different perspective, children aren't really going to be overly concentrated on his costume but rather his actions and the other friendly characters who aid Sarah. I could also point out that noble people during the 17th century would in fact wear clothing like tights and it would be acceptable, which might have been the inspiration for the Goblin King and his grandiose appearance and lifestyle. This is without a doubt a work of art in the history of film, and in today's generation where CGI is the predominant form of visual presentation in motion pictures, we should be thankful for the efforts of Jim Henson; for bringing such an impressive level of exertion and creativity to his production in order to bring it to life when there wasn't any advanced technology at hand and nearly everything had to be done manually and by hand. Of course there are some noticeable uses of dummies and questionable backdrops that seem to be inauthentic or fake, but let's not take things for granted and remember that this film did come out in the '80s and definitely is above par for its time. Not only is the creation of the fantasy difficult, but the process of delivering your creation to the masses is an entirely different animal to wrestle with.

Moving on to the symbolism and the message this story teaches to the younger generation, this film had quite a load of it intertwined in its web of fantastic imagery. One of the most memorable scenes would probably have to be the dream sequence of Sarah's character taking part in an extravagantly lavish party that also includes the Goblin King. It sort of symbolizes her desire to live life like an adult and go to parties, mingling with the other participants and getting away from the family she despises. But while there, she slowly gets a wake-up call that being a grown up is not what it seems. The drunkenness and lewdness of the guests at the party make Sarah want to escape the atmosphere and how it all goes around and around without an end. It gives her a different perspective about her current life and her ability to savor the moment while she's still young. Inevitably with age, she will move out and lead her own life, but she shouldn't take her current circumstance for granted and try to shut the rest of the world out of it. Bringing me to another point is the fact that when the movie starts, Sarah's character is oblivious to the world around her and tries to wrap herself in a web of stories, dolls and toys when she could be enjoying her life and helping out the people who she considers her enemies. She is spoiled and sees even the tiniest criticism and request as unfair and contemptible. In the end however, she eventually sees how childish and ridiculous her mindset was towards her family and changes her views about the world and the people in it for the better. Living in the here and now is better than hopelessly waiting for a prince charming to come and rescue you from whatever unfavorable circumstances you think you are in. All you have to do is stay positive and continue down the continuously twisted road we call life because you never know what obstacles and surprises await you.

Overall, this is a great movie for just about anyone even if it's considered a little childish. Believe me when I tell you that this movie not only transcends time, but also the intended demographic. Savvy lessons about life that most teenagers should be able to relate to in the form of a fantasy film from the creator of The Muppets and Sesame Street, with an air of youthful frivolity and catchy musical numbers from one of the most legendary musicians of all time. Let your self fall into the vortex of the magical world which is the labyrinth and you might never want to return again.

Entrapment (1999)

Although it was nominated for a couple of Razzie awards, this film is one of the most exciting heist films of the 20th century and is still at the top of my list today. Sensual, cunning and adventurous would be the three main words to describe this fine piece of cinema, and hopefully this review will shed some light on the wonderfully shot and executed style of this action thriller that keeps you guessing till the end.

Set just before the turn of the new millennium, insurance agency worker Virginia "Gin" Baker (Catherine Zeta-Jones) is onto a highly sought after thief who stole a Rembrandt painting. She convinces her boss Hector (Will Patton) to let her go undercover and infiltrate the thief's plans firstly by spying on him and then hopefully gaining an advantage by working with him on his next heist. The high-end thief's name is Robert "Mac" MacDougal; he has stolen many fine arts pieces before and has gotten away with it countless times, but hopefully Gin will find his weaknesses and finally bring the criminal to justice. After a few days at Mac's remote island castle, Gin convinces him that she is in fact a thief as well and that she is the one who stole the Rembrandt. Willing to give her a chance, Mac goes along with her requests to go after a Chinese mask that she needs to secure an even bigger heist that will imminently be worth much more than the Rembrandt and the mask combined. After many frustrating days training and rehearsing the motions of swiftly stealing the mask in as little time as possible, they head out to complete their mission. Things however get tight and Mac forces Gin to spill the beans about her true identity and purpose of involving him in these heists. After a few tussles and struggles both physically and mentally, they get back on track to commit the crime of the 20th century; but has their partnership turned into much more than just business? Will feelings get in the way of committing the crime all thieves wish they can pull off?

Exhibiting lavish locations and events, it's almost the kind of film that Sir Connery has starred in many times before. See if you can guess the resemblance. The story is captivating from the start and very engaging for viewers to experience. The choreography for the laser sequences tickles all your senses and sends waves of adrenaline and energy through your veins in anticipation for the final outcome. Sensuality is a big part of the role play although sometimes we can't quite come to grips that Miss Zeta-Jones is falling in love with a man twice her age. It is very romantic of course but our inner voice holds us back because of this factor in the script. The musical score was delivered very nicely especially in those tender moments and the one that evoke more tension in the viewers eyes. The clothing worn particularly by Catherine's character was flawless, glamorous and most importantly alluring. Flattering her figure and making her routines and action sequences look impeccable and no more elaborate than they're supposed to be. The locations were stunning and very appealing indeed especially when you're looking for a film filled with adventure, action and dangerous situations.

The film did touch on many aspects of a professional relationship and how even the best thieves have weak spots when it comes to a romantic development. Although Gin and Mac start out their partnership in an almost surly and resentful approach but soften their communication after some time of training and their first heist as partners. It pertains to how we view a traditional workplace where we're supposed to be solemn and straight when it comes to our work, but sometimes end up falling for our coworkers maybe in admiration of their skills or just because of the law of attraction. Nonetheless we have to keep our feet on the ground and step up to meet our requirements and deadlines to ensure a paycheck as well as a feeling of complacency inside of us. Both Gin and Mac were alone before they met each other, and it seems their relationship has given them an alley to share their achievements and talk about the things that they mutually have an interest in. Although their somewhat questionable professions as thieves might seem tempting and utterly fascinating, it's their character and mindset that should impress viewers who work in respectable fields of work.

Overall, if you're looking for a film with action, tension, suspense, clever plot line and a romantic subplot, this would be the perfect film to watch. Definitely a good movie to see with someone you love or just for the pure sake of it. Entrapment gives us a dose of its mesmerizing poison and watches us sink into our seats without any leniency. Exotic locations and two charming characters that let you into their world, but can we truly trust them? You be the judge.