Movie #300 - The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest
2002 - Rated PG - 1 hr 37 min
Director: Oliver Parker
Starring: Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Frances O'Connor, Reese Witherspoon, Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson

Yay, Oscar Wilde! The first time I watched this movie, I was actually playing a minor role in the stageplay.  So I can speak to the accuracy of the screenplay.  Barring a few minor cinematic changes that don't affect anything at all, this is pretty true to Wilde's original text.

Even better, the casting is superb.  This show's success hangs on a solid ensemble and this one's spot on.  Especially Reese Witherspoon, who I had my reservations about.  Her accent is impeccable and her portrayal of Cecily is adorable.  And with the addition of a Rupert Everett / Colin Firth duet, the movie version of this stage classic is perfect.  I love this movie!

Movie #65 - Bedazzled

Bedazzled
Twentieth Century Fox
2000 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 33 min
Director: Harold Ramis
Starring: Elizabeth Hurley, Brendan Fraser, Frances O'Connor, Miriam Shor, Orlando Jones, Paul Adelstein

After three pretty sappy movies in a row, it was nice to break things up with a mindless comedy. In Bedazzled, Brendan Fraser plays a huge loser (teeth-gratingly annoying too) who gets a visit from the Devil, a.k.a. Elizabeth Hurley, who promises him 7 wishes in exchange for his soul. Seriously, hottest person to ever play the devil. And I'm not into that, but yikes. Red leather is her friend. I'm actually a little scared.

Anyway, this movie is exactly what you expect it to be. It's a series of wishes gone horribly wrong. As the viewer, you'll find yourself guessing what the glitch in each seemingly perfect scenario will be. And the script does well to surprise you occassionally with some funny stuff.

For a typical comedy, this movie is a good time. There's nothing exceedingly substantial here to critique, aside from the entertainment value. Brendan Fraser is fun to watch in all the scenarios and does a great job "characterizing" each. Elizabeth Hurley plays a great straightman, with an edge of mischief that will unsettle you just slightly throughout the movie. All around, a good way to spend some time, especially if you don't want to think about anything and you'd rather just laugh (at someone).