Cruel Intentions

Starring: Ryan Phillippe, 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 Phillippe) live their lives to hurt others and wreck havoc 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.

Review:

Tim: This is a rather dark movie, but does have some sheds of light. First to mention, this film is rated R. Many of these actors got their start in tamer fare, so it's worth noting that the movie deals with mature themes. Another aspect of this film to examine are the actors. To sum up the actors in this film in one word would be: "Talent." Phillippe 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. Reese 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 drama to keep anyone interested. This film is not for everyone. Many of the characters are single-minded here. This movie knows exactly what it wants to be and it stays focused on that.

All in all, the film is quite strong. You'll be kept fairly entertained, and enjoy the backstabbing hijinks and impressive displays of charisma.

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 Liaisons, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Legally Blonde, Crazy/Beautiful