Cruel Intentions (1999)

  
CRUEL INTENTIONS is a saucy, sinister, and slow-going, teen-themed 
update of "Dangerous Liaisons," starring Ryan Phillipe (54) and 
Sarah Michelle Gellar (TV's Buffy the Vampire Slayer) as spoiled-
rotten siblings raising Cain (and busting virgins) among the Man-
hattan prep-school sect.  The cars and clothes look great, there's 
promiscuity to spare-- always good in a movie aimed at younger 
adults!-- but not nearly enough believable drama.  Phillipe is loss 
as Sebastian-- he doesn't have a strong-enough screen presence.  
Gellar is far, far better as Kathryn, a steamy ice queen who smold-
ers as superbly as she freezes.  Of course, with those baby faces, 
they *both* come across like little kids playing in their parent's 
closets.  Well, at least it's good for some giggles as well as a 
woody or two.  With Reese Witherspoon, Selma Blair, and Christine 
Baranski.  Written and directed by Roger Kumble.  (Rated "R"/95 
min.)

Grade: C+      

Copyright 1999 Michael J. Legeros
Movie Hell is a trademark of Michael J. Legeros   

Originally posted to triangle.movies as MOVIE HELL: March 7, 1999