Cruel Intentions
Starring: Ryan Phillipe, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Resse Witherspoon, Selma Blair, Sean Patrick Thomas, Christine Baranski, Eric Mabius, Joshua Jackson
Directed by: Roger Kumble
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Box Office: $38,328,567
1999
Times Seen:
Tim: 2
Summary: Remake of Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Rich stepsister/stepbrother Kathryn (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Sebastain (Ryan Phillipe) live their lives to hurt others, satsify their own sexual appetite, and wreck havok everywhere imaginable. In an attempt to get revenge on a boyfriend that dumped her, Kathryn befriends Cecile (Selma Blair), in a plot to ruin her. Meanwhile, Sebastian turns his sights on a new challenge: seduce good girl Annette (Reese Witherspoon), who recently had an article published in a teen magazine on why she is going to wait to have sex. Kathryn makes a bet with Sebastian- if he successfully has sex with Annette, he gets Kathryn in bed. If he doesn't, she gets his convertible.
Review:
Tim: This is a rather dark movie, but does have some sheds of light. First to mention, this film is rated R, and young teens probably shouldn't see it, simply because the film makes being a slut and a player look like a good thing... a damn good thing. Anyway, the movie's plot is almost entirely based on sex.
Another aspect of this film to examine are the actors. To sum up the actors in this film in one word would be: "Talent." Phillipe is amazing as Sebastian, bringing his playboy charm to life. He plays off of Sarah Michelle Gellar's amazing performance. The two have such great chemistry, that every scene with them together is memorable. Resse Witherspoon, playing a reserved and innocent role, greatly contrasts the other main stars, and gives a pleasant difference. While she doesn't have much opportunity to stretch or do much of anything, she plays her role simply and effectively. All the actors in this film really do an excellent job, and allow their acting abilities to shine. Most of these young kids have been in films where their acting abilities were questioned: this film helps prove the critics wrong.
The story itself is pretty entertaining, and has enough sexually-charged themes to keep anyone interested. This film is not for everyone. If you don't feel like watching attractive young people in a film centered around sex, then skip this one. However, if you're down with kids gettin jiggy with it, then you might want to give this one a chance.
All in all, the film isn't too bad at all. You'll be kept fairly entertained, and enjoy the backstabbing hijinks and impressive displays of charisma. Personally, I wish I had game like Sebastian does.
The film does have some flaws, and tried to resolve conflicts that probably wouldn't normally be resolved. The film gives you a bad taste throughout (almost every character in the movie would never be labeled as a role model), and then, all of sudden, at various times, we're supposed to believe otherwise. Kathryn says in the film, "No one changes overnight." The writers should have listened to their own words.
Anyway, not to nitpick at a good movie, I do recommend this film to a limited audience. I think you'll find it quite entertaining, and if you think about it, there is a lesson to be learned.
Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8
If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Dangerous Liasons, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Legally Blonde, Crazy/Beautiful