Ugh, there's just something about this movie, and maybe that's Sarah Michelle Gellar. Kathryn slays, and I actually kinda get her point. If I wanted to live my life as a free woman, but my environment kept forcing me to act like a saint to maintain my place in high society, I'd turn into a villain, too. Sure, there are definitely more than a couple of things wrong with this film, but the escalator scene isn’t one of them. I think Selma Blair was amazing, also. Her character is ridiculous, but so well-played. And finally, Cruel Intentions actually goes on my comfort films list. Everyone has their guilty-pleasures.

Cruel Intentions (1999), directed by Roger Kumble, is a provocative teen drama that reimagines the classic Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Choderlos de Laclos. The film, set in a privileged New York City high school, follows the manipulative games played by wealthy step-siblings Sebastian (Ryan Phillippe) and Kathryn (Sarah Michelle Gellar). The plot revolves around Sebastian’s bet to seduce a virtuous schoolmate, Annette (Reese Witherspoon), while Kathryn seeks revenge on a former lover. While the premise is ripe for intrigue and moral exploration, the story ultimately feels uninspiring. The characters’ actions often veer into melodrama, and the central conflict of manipulation and deceit lacks emotional depth. The film’s twists, while designed to be shocking, can come off as predictable and at times, even far-fetched. However, the actors bring much-needed intensity to the material. Sarah Michelle Gellar shines as the icy, calculating Kathryn, blending charm and cruelty with ease. Ryan Phillippe, as the brooding and self-centered Sebastian, delivers a performance that makes you both sympathize with and despise his character. Reese Witherspoon’s Annette is the moral center of the film, and though her character often feels like a standard “good girl” foil to the scheming leads, Witherspoon infuses her with sincerity that gives the character weight. Despite the story’s weaknesses, the cast’s strong performances are the film’s most compelling aspect. Their chemistry and ability to embody their roles elevate Cruel Intentions beyond its sometimes superficial script. The film is at its best when it focuses on the psychological dynamics between the characters, even if the narrative occasionally falters. Ultimately, Cruel Intentions is a film that’s as much about the performances as it is about its provocative themes, leaving you with mixed emotions long after the credits roll.

March Film Log 25th Anniversary As part of it’s 25th anniversary I decided to rewatch Cruel Intentions a film that I did have some enjoyment with me for various reasons upon first viewing but the same can’t be said for this rewatch as I just didn’t think it was all that. In other words this film hasn’t aged well at all with its questionable dialogue and stance on subject matters which brought a confused look to my face. In addition, it pales in comparison to Stephen Frears’s Dangerous Liaisons of the same adaptation. Cruel Intentions is a modern retelling of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos' 1782 novel Les Liaisons dangereuses as it’s in New York City among rich high schoolers. As this was released during the end of the 1990’s, it retains the aesthetic and style of what to expect from teen romantic drama of that time and to it’s credit I get the appeal as you can find some good stuff laying around it. While Roger Kumble’s direction and screenplay leaves a lot to be desired, he certainly knew what demographic this type of film would attract to and it is only enhanced by the performances from the cast. Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon in many ways is Cruel Intentions biggest strength as they managed to bring a youthful, seductive energy to their respective characters and its story arc. Out of the three, Gellar shines the loudest as Kathryn Merteuil in particular the final third where she owns the antagonist role to the very end. I didn’t mind Selma Blair’s performance as she brought a vulnerable yet innocent approach as Cecile Caldwell. Theo van de Sande’d cinematography especially of New York City does stand out with it’s day and night scenery. In addition, it’s intimate shots when shot close up manage to bring enough emotion and substance to really sell its scenes. While Edward Shearmur’s score wasn’t anything memorable, it’s the soundtrack which consists of alternative rock songs such as Coffee and TV and Bitter Sweet Symphony which improves the mood and quality of the film. Overall, Cruel Intentions is another standard teen romance drama that yes shine in the acting department but it falls short in being anything spectacular.