Christina Reviews *Cruel Intentions*

         Kathryn and Sebastian are evil stepsiblings. They like to play mind games with each other and with their more vulnerable classmates. This is how they get their kicks.

        But Sebastian is growing tired of the banality of his life. He doesn’t feel like he’s being challenged enough. So Kathryn makes him a bet he can’t refuse ---- seduce the new headmaster’s virginal daughter and win the chance to bed Kathryn.

        Sebastian, being the little perv-boy that he is, eagerly accepts the deal.

        This movie is a remake of Dangerous Liasons which, in turn, was a remake of Les Liasons Dangereuses. It’s certainly not an original concept, and it probably wasn’t a story that needed be retold this badly. I highly doubt, though, that those behind the project were thinking to themselves, “It’s a shame that teenagers today have never heard of the delightful little drama starring Glenn Close and John Malkovich. How can I make that story more accessible to them?” It was probably more like this: “Damn it, I need a plot for a movie because I just blew through my last million dollars and Daddy needs another sports car. What can I remake?” Turns on TV and sees Glenn Close and John Malkovich prancing around in puffy costumes. “And who should I have star in the lead roles?” Looks down at Movieline magazine on coffee table. Sees picture of Kevin Costner. “To hell with this. I’ll just get Ryan Phillippe.” Takes a bite of Reeses Peanut Butter Puff cereal with a spoon and switches the channel to Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

          But I will say that Sarah Michelle Gellar did a good job playing evil. She won the MTV Award for Best Female Performance, so you know that means something.

         Also, this movie has the distinguished honor of being responsible for the very existence of Reese Witherspoon’s daughter.