Cruel Intentions Reviews

Strictly For Teenagers

A dumbed down version of 'Dangerous Liaisons' with a photogenic but inadequate cast and a relentlessly mediocre soundtrack.

Best teen movie ever

With the absence of any parental figures in their lives, it’s no wonder the two main characters end up the way they do.

Both Gellar and Phillipe are extremely convincing in their roles of spoilt little rich kids, with nothing better to do than mess with their peers lives and opportunities.

Witty, funny and sexy, Cruel Intentions goes where other teen movies wouldn't dare. That's what makes it such a classic. With a dominant theme of sex and deception, Cruel Intentions is a film for those who want to become exposed to the 'darker side' without actually going there.

Dangerous Liasons Is Better

Like the title says, this film is an inferior remake to a classic film. John Malkovich sizzles in the original, as do Michelle Pfeiffer, Uma Thurman, Glenn Close etc.

But this... well I guess if you like Buffy, and have had teen fantasies about Sarah Michelle Gellar, you'll probably like this. In my opinion she can't act, and tends to annoy me whenever on the screen. Her male co-star though is a much better actor, and it is down to him that this film is not appalling. Playing evil characters obviously comes natural to this guy, and although no-match to Malkovich, he ain't bad.

The writers have made a decent effort to modernise the story from the original, and many many people will like this film, and think it's very sexy and cool. I wasn't that bothered, but it's perfectly watchable.

intriguing

The portrayal of Valmont by Ryan Phillippe is magnificent, and its intriguing to know that the object of his affection, Annette (Reese Witherspoon), is his real life wife. Sarah Michelle Gellar does easily the best acting of her career, not that that says too much.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Classic

I could watch this film over and over again. Its funny, sexy, daring and romantic.

Ryan Phillippe is amazing in his portrayal of Sebastian and it made a refreshing change to see Reece Witherspoon play a character that wasn't supposed to be a dumb, blonde airhead and be allowed to show that she actually can act

This movie is the best

To see Gellar, Witherspoon, Blair and Phillipe take on this role was a good choice. This movie brings you Comedy, Drama and Romace, defenetly a Must See. If you are a fan of any of the actors WATCH THIS!!!

Where's the sex?

As an adaptation of the 'les liasons dangereuses' story, this movie is sadly short of sex scenes. As such, it has wasted the potential in the story for manipulating the audience into hating Sabestian, and then seducing them back into loving him as he turns over a new leaf. It has also let out the air from the sexual tension present in the original story, and cheapened Sabestian's transformation and love for Annette. For a more artful adaptation, watch EJ Yong's 'Untold Scandal', which is a truly beautifully made film full of the delicious sexual tension, and yet sincerely moving.

Very Weird

Really odd to see Reese Witherspoon in such a dark film. Full of manipulation and bad intent.

Very watchable - if you want lessons in how to become a she devil. If you are looking for a happy ending, you may be disappointed.

Impressive performance from Sarah Michelle Gellar

Have seen this plot in several movies and shows ho manipulative some people can be!

Worth watching this especially to see Sarah Michelle Gellar in a nasty roll ? liked her as Buffy.

Not as good as it's made out to be.

Ok, I watched all the three Cruel Intentions movies and then went back and watched Dangerous Liasions. Perhaps Dangerous Liaisons has prejudiced my opinion of Cruel Intentions I; the former is incomparably better than the latter. In my defence, the latter does have good actors (though admittedly not of the caliber of John Malkovich) and so had the potential for being a decent remake. Unfortunately it fails to capture the tragic element of the original -- Reese Witherspoon's character is almost as annoying as Selma Blair's.

Oddly enough the other two movies, I would rate higher because they don't pretend to be anything more than they actually are -- amoral, erotic and enjoyable teen flicks.