![[box cover]](../../reviewimgs/c/cruelintentions.jpg)
Cruel Intentions
Writer-director Roger Kumble's concept is shrewd: transplanting the Machiavellian sexual power struggles of Choderlos de Laclos' 18th century novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses into the contemporary milieu of raging teen hormones. Too bad he's not up to the task. Attractive young stars Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Phillippe, and Sarah Michelle Gellar grope aimlessly through Kumble's misadapted screenplay and awkward dialog only to find their characters stripped of integrity and their best scenes on the cutting room floor. Likewise, the film feels rushed and bears little dramatic weight, when it should've been a heart-stopper. Kumble's novice status must carry the brunt of shame: three other films have been made from this material, and all are excellent. Presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen or pan-and-scan, as selected from the main menu, and Dolby Digital 5.1. Features audio commentary by director Roger Kumble and practically his entire crew, two behind-the-scenes featurettes, six deleted scenes, and music videos by Placebo and Marcy Playground. Keep-case.
—Gregory P. Dorr
