Customer Reviews

Cruel Intentions

5 star:		(298)
4 star:		(103)
3 star:		(40)
2 star:		(17)
1 star:		(41)

 

 

This is a Romantic Comedy of the very dark variety. Sarah Michelle Gellar plays one of the most wicked femme fatales (Kathryn) you will ever encounter on-screen. Reese Witherspoon portrays the typical all-American, virtuous midwestern girl (Annette). In between is a womanizer, Sebastian, played by Ryan Phillippe.

All of the characters in the movie are fabulously wealthy, but more than a few are deficient when it comes to matters of the heart. People who enjoy eye candy will enjoy some of the sets of this movie - particularly the lavish indoor swimming pool @ the cottage.

Sebastian and Kathryn make a bet: can the suave playboy score on Annette? This, along with a web of insidious sub-plots form the core of the movie's plot. In each and every case, Kathryn and Sebastion outwit everyone else in the film in order to manipulate circumstances into their favor. Occasionally, they even dupe each other.

Over the course of the film, however, Sebastian's character begins to change, albeit slightly. Meanwhile, Kathryn remains the cold-hearted and sadistic wench she always was. It is a credit to the acting ability of Phillippe that the change in character becomes apparent and we're actually compelled to care for him by the end of the film.

To answer the $60,000 question on whether a sweet innocent girl can have a significant impact on a life-long playboy, watch the film. However, be prepared for one of the darkest comedies you will ever see. It's downright cruel - intentionally so.

Cruel Intentions is certainly not the usual bubblegum teenybopper movie--a fair warning: unless they are extremely open-minded and relaxed about sex, language, etc., don't rent this with your parents; whether they enjoy it or not, it will not be a comfortable experience for you. But aside from that, this is a very entertaining movie. Sarah Michelle Gellar expands her range playing a bitchy sort of anti-Buffy. Ryan Phillipe's acting style, sometimes called soulless and cold, fits his (originally) heartless character perfectly, and he has good chemistry with Reese Witherspoon (small wonder, since they are now married), who does very well in the role of the proud virgin. Selma Blair is hilariously naive and ridiculous, and Joshua Jackson, in a rather brief role, steals the few scenes he's in. If you're looking for something in the teen genre but not so fluffy as the usual crop, and if you're not easily offended, check this movie out. The only reason I gave it less than 5 stars (I'd give it a 4.5 rather than a 4) is Sebastian's (Phillipe's) transformation from lascivious jerk to tender loverboy is a bit too sudden--the metamorphosis would have been more believable if it had been more gradual, but this is a minor point and doesn't really hurt the film in any way.

Don't ask any questions. Just buy this movie. It is one of the most entertaining, wickedly funny black comedies in film history. It's very dark, hilarious, and may even offend some people. But that is part of its magic. It challenges the viewer, but make no mistake about it: It is a great deal of fun...and evil. Sarah Michelle Gellar plays a role so different than "Buffy" you won't believe it's her. She is a villainous, bulemic, coke-snorting bitch. You'll love to hate her. Selma Blair is adorable as the nerd who becomes the target of Gellar's wrath. Ryan Phillipe is dead-on as Gellar's stepbrother who wants more than anything on earth to bed her. And Reese Witherspoon is amazing as a young virgin who Phillipe bets Gellar that he can seduce. A vicious story full of backstabbing and...cruel intentions, but at the same time has a very sweet side. The ending is shocking, completely unpredictable, with a twisted sense of humor that lasts all the way even to the end. The directing is perfect and even more the soundtrack is amazing. Buy this album. From the opening song Every You and Every Me to Bittersweet Symphony, it sets the tone for the movie perfectly. Also, this DVD is great. Even though the menu is kind of boring, it has some great extras, including music videos and documentaries which really give a great deal of insight to the making of this most unusual film. Also, the extra scenes, unlike some other DVDs which are kind of stupid, actually add to the film and make you wonder how it would have affected the film's ending differently if they were left in. You'll be shocked, but some of these scenes may have drastically changed the film and even the character development. This is one of the very best movies ever made and it is my favorite. Don't walk...run to buy this movie and watch it over and over and over and over and over and...over....over.....

It's probably better if you haven't seen Stephen Frears's Dangerous Liaisons (1989), starring Glenn Close, John Malkovich and Michelle Pfeiffer, or Milos Forman's Valmont (1988) with Annette Bening, Colin Firth and Meg Tilly. If you have, Roger Kumble's Cruel Intentions (1999), starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Reese Witherspoon, which is also based on the novel by the Frenchman Choderlos de Laclos, will seem to lack finesse. Kumble wrote his own screenplay as a kind of Les Liaisons Dangereuses in modern dress, whereas Frears and Forman relied more heavily upon the stage play by Christopher Hampton, depicting the aristocracy of 18th century France. While the two earlier movies sparkle with wit, insight and a cynicism to chill the fondest heart, Kumble's venture features a more prosaic brand of sexual humor adorned agreeably with young, nubile bodies.

But there is no need to make odious comparisons. Cruel Intentions can stand on its own, and there is plenty to admire, especially Gellar in a role to which she is perfectly suited, and Witherspoon as well. Phillippe is also good, especially when he's being funny, although his unconscious imitation of John Malkovich was a bit obsequious. He delivered some of his lines with the same deadpan expression and intonation. But being as pretty as he is, Phillippe's character is more like Colin Firth's. Selma Blair's narrow-eyed and dotty Cecile was pretty, sexy, and funnier than either Uma Thurman or Fairuza Balk, who played similar roles in the above mentioned movies, respectively.

The scene with the shrink to begin was very agreeable and should have been followed up somehow. We never see Sebastian quite so diabolical later on. Too bad. And seeing a little more of Swoosie Kurtz who played the self-centered, phony and hypocritical Dr. Regina Greenbaum would have enhanced the film.

The idea of making Sebastian and Kathryn step siblings was amusing and spicy, and the inclusion of a raunchy gay footballer was appropriate. Using a black guy as Cecile's harp teacher was kinky good. And being rather up-front about sex throughout without being overly juvenile was refreshing. The business with Sebastian Valmont's diary of conquests worked well both psychologically and as a plot device.

The main failing with Kumble's movie, aside from the general superficiality, was that Sebastian's "conquest" of Annette was a little too easy, especially with the goody-goody build-up she had been given. Consequently, her falling in love was more like a stumble. There was some physical passion, but nothing like the full-blown emotional passion required. Also I think the ending needed a little work. It seemed that a committee divined it, part of them wanting a "happy" love ending for Reese and Ryan, and the other half wanting to stay somewhat true to the spirit of the original, and so they came to a compromise, as committees will, and we got mishmash.

Incidentally, there is yet a fourth movie version of this tale, Dangerous Liaisons (1960), from French director Roger Vadim. I am looking forward to seeing it, if I can find a copy.

Sarah Michelle Gellar playing the bad guy.....yummy. So used to her as the heroin and now to see her portray a sizzling and seductive character. In my eyes, she can do no wrong. And now, this tantalizing twisted flick hits the high-def arena, I jumped to see Gellar in all her glory. Sony's recent blu-ray releases are blessed with all the bells and whistles and spares no expense in providing them on dual-layer disks. The picture looks fabulous and included an uncompressed 5.1 PCM track to my listening pleasure. All I can say is, sit back and enjoy the ride.

Cruel Intentions is a movie you have to see to believe. Sarah Michelle Gellar has never been more bitchy and Reese Witherspoon has never been more pure. Both of these beauties bring strength and humor to their roles and Ryan Philippe became a heartthrob after this movie was released, although he doesn't quite have much range as an actor then. This film is all about playing wicked games on the innocent which is Witherspoon's character, secrets come out and vengence is seeked. This film is sorta campy but very enjoyable. Can you say guilty pleasure? This is a must-see. Enjoy!

This is my favourtite movie of all time. Cruel Intentions is a movie about seduction and betrayal. We have Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Mertueil, step brother and sister who are bored rich kids living in the city, they also specialise int he above mentioned qualities. Sebastian is a bit of a lady's man and is getting bored of seducing and sleeping with the same kinda girls. He wants a challenge. So Kathryn bets him he cannot seduce the new headmasters daughter (Anette Hargrove, Resse Witherspoon) at school, who also happens to be a virgin and is firm on her stance to wait for love before losing it. The rules of the bet are if Kathryn wins she gets Sebastians hot car, if Sebastian wins he gets to sleep with Kathryn, when Sebastian asks "why would i go for that bet?" Kathryn sums it up by saying "Because im the only person you cant have and it kills you". So with the rules in place and the clock ticking Sebastian sets off on his mission. The only obstacle is falling in love. This movie is exetremely entertaining, the music, setting and acting is all excellent, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillipe excel as the seductive siblings and Resse Witherspoon is also great as the innocent Anette. The soundtrack to the film is also stunning, the music is mellow and complements the film perfectly. Overall a real classic.

Yeah, it's a take off of Dangerous Liasions, but with snappy dialogue, a young, but extremely talented cast, and a plausibility that's frightening. Headed by Gellar, Witherspoon and Phillipe, this is an extremely well-plotted psychological movie that demonstrates people at their most base and manipulative, but it's also frothy and fun.

The biggest surprise for viewers here may be Gellar's viper-like performance (no surprise to those who watched her in her AMC days). This is not Bufffy, and it shows what a phenomenal talent Gellar is. Witherspoon is cast as the virgin/ingenue, but her superior ability keeps you from resenting her or rolling your eyes. Phillipe is perfectly-cast as the charmingly devilish rogue. Great supporting work from Selma Blair and Christine Baranski complete the cast.

Bottom line, this is a fun and stylish psychological thriller with an ending that doesn't wrap everything up into a pretty bow, but does offer more than satisfying resolutions.

Recommended for Gellar's performance, a witty script and yet another reason to regard Witherspoon as the greatest actress of her generation.

Cruel Intetions is just a brilliant film. It to me is perfect, a breath of fresh air into the common teen movie. The acting is excellent, the script, everything is amazing. The dvd is pretty good too. The deleted scenes are really good, and fun to see. And the documentaries are good too. A very good dvd package, and worthy of its special edition status.

Cruel Intentions 2 as you may know was put together from a cancelled TV show, and is also a classic movie. But is completely different from the first. The prequel is much funnier than the original (wether that is the intentions is a completely different matter) But is fun to watch, and i really enjoy. The dvd is a disapojnment though, we see more deleted scenes ion the trailer they provide us with than on the dvd, because the trailer and bios is it!

anyway, i am very happy with this set, it is a must buy.

"Cruel Intentions"-early 1999's hit movie now on DVD is truly remarkable. The movie stars many popular celebreties: Sarah Michelle Gellar (TV's Buffy of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Scream 2), Reese Witherspoon (Man in the Moon, Election, Fear, Freeway), and Ryan Phillippe (I Know What You Did Last Summer). Sarah Michelle Gellar may be your hero slayer on Buffy, but in Cruel Intentions, she makes a bet with her step-brother to become the "hero" in her own personal game using many techniques: love, deception, attraction, mind games, and of course, "Cruelity". The rich, step-sibblings are bored in life and have played mind-games just for fun. Again, they try, but this time the word "love" becomes a pawn in the game. Cruel Intentions also has an excellent soundtrack with newcoming bands and popular bands. The Verve's smash hit (one of the most played videos in 1997), "Bitter Sweet Symphony" is included in this soundtrack. Some bands are also in the movie but not on the soundtrack, such as The Cardigans, with their hit "Love Fool". All the music fits the scenes perfectly. The ending is the best ending in a movie that I ever saw in my life! I can't give that away, sorry for being "Cruel"! So Don't be cruel to your loved one, family, and/or friend, and bring "Cruel Intentions" and the soundtrack, (also availaible here at amazon.com) into your video and mucic collection now! If any of the stars in this movie are reading this, Keep Up The Excellent Work Like This Masterpiece!