467 reviews
Yes, it's lurid. Yes, it's trashy. Yes, it doesn't stand up to close scrutiny. And yes, if you're the sort of person who specialises in spotting plot twists, then you're probably going to do well here.
But if you haven't seen this film before, and you're prepared for something a bit on the lurid and trashy side, and you can manage to steer clear of the many spoilers among the reviews here, then you just might find that Wild Things is a fun ride.
Because there are, it's true, a number of twists and turns, and not everyone sees them coming. And if you aren't a twist-spotter, but you enjoy movies with twists, then you are going to enjoy this one.
I thought it was great fun. And, let's be fair, who's watching Denise Richards' acting?
But if you haven't seen this film before, and you're prepared for something a bit on the lurid and trashy side, and you can manage to steer clear of the many spoilers among the reviews here, then you just might find that Wild Things is a fun ride.
Because there are, it's true, a number of twists and turns, and not everyone sees them coming. And if you aren't a twist-spotter, but you enjoy movies with twists, then you are going to enjoy this one.
I thought it was great fun. And, let's be fair, who's watching Denise Richards' acting?
Wild Things is a fantastic example of what can be achieved by not worrying about substance and having a film play for straight entertainment value. Here we have a film that takes elements such as beautiful stars, beautiful locations and a bucket load of plot twists and blends it all into a highly enjoyable film experience. Of course, Wild Things doesn't always come across very realistically and, at times even, it's downright ridiculous; but it's done in such a way that it doesn't matter, and because of that we have a film that can do what it wants. The film is helmed by John McNaughton, who had his first success with the cult horror flick Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer. It has to be said that the scene setting and way that the plot moves is somewhat ham-fisted, as sometimes it's painfully obvious that certain sections of the film exist only to give it another selling point; the argument that starts out between Denise Richards and Neve Campbell beside a swimming pool being a case in point. However, McNaughton makes good of these selling points, and for every three way sex scene and absurd plot twist, the film gains an extra point for trashy entertainment value.
It's not immediately obvious what Wild Things is going to be about, as the first twenty minutes serve only in setting the scene and from that base, the film could easily turn into any teenage school flick. However, it turns out that this time is well used; as by nulling the audience into a false sense of security, the film is able to make sure that every twist comes as a surprise. The film benefits from a great big name cast, which is anchored by Matt Dillon; who gives one of his best performances. Dillon clearly enjoys himself, and his persona is able to suit both the sleazy and upstanding nature of his character. Kevin Bacon sleepwalks and isn't really able to show his true talent, and similarly Neve Campbell looks out of place (sexy with it) in her role as a teenage junkie. However, Denise Richards rounds the piece of nicely with a charged performance and the ensemble is nicely topped off by the likes of Bill Murray, Theresa Russell and Robert Wagner. The settings that the movie takes place in look great, and ensure that there's more eye candy than just the female leads. Director McNaughton presents a fabulously mysterious atmosphere which obviously bodes well with the plot and, on the whole, if you want a couple of hours of entertainment; you can do a lot, lot worse than this twisty little flick.
It's not immediately obvious what Wild Things is going to be about, as the first twenty minutes serve only in setting the scene and from that base, the film could easily turn into any teenage school flick. However, it turns out that this time is well used; as by nulling the audience into a false sense of security, the film is able to make sure that every twist comes as a surprise. The film benefits from a great big name cast, which is anchored by Matt Dillon; who gives one of his best performances. Dillon clearly enjoys himself, and his persona is able to suit both the sleazy and upstanding nature of his character. Kevin Bacon sleepwalks and isn't really able to show his true talent, and similarly Neve Campbell looks out of place (sexy with it) in her role as a teenage junkie. However, Denise Richards rounds the piece of nicely with a charged performance and the ensemble is nicely topped off by the likes of Bill Murray, Theresa Russell and Robert Wagner. The settings that the movie takes place in look great, and ensure that there's more eye candy than just the female leads. Director McNaughton presents a fabulously mysterious atmosphere which obviously bodes well with the plot and, on the whole, if you want a couple of hours of entertainment; you can do a lot, lot worse than this twisty little flick.
Much has been said about the sexual content of this movie for which I can only say it was nice to get such mice views, clothed and unclothed of Denise Richards. But overall the sexuality of this film is moderate at best.
Why i really liked it is because all of the twists in the plots actually come together. At the end of the film, integrated with the end credits, are previously unseen events that kept the full tale slightly hidden from the viewer. By inserting them at the end, the full story was told without inhibiting the ride. If you missed the hints and clues along the way, u can see what you failed to figure out.
Certainly this is not a tale that fails to stretch credibility, but its is a film for amusement. But unlike so many, the mystery is solvable and does not rely on contrivances created at the end to make you feel stupid. If you miss them you are not stupid, but if foresee any of the conclusion, and the can be foreseen, hats off to you.
Why i really liked it is because all of the twists in the plots actually come together. At the end of the film, integrated with the end credits, are previously unseen events that kept the full tale slightly hidden from the viewer. By inserting them at the end, the full story was told without inhibiting the ride. If you missed the hints and clues along the way, u can see what you failed to figure out.
Certainly this is not a tale that fails to stretch credibility, but its is a film for amusement. But unlike so many, the mystery is solvable and does not rely on contrivances created at the end to make you feel stupid. If you miss them you are not stupid, but if foresee any of the conclusion, and the can be foreseen, hats off to you.
There is a website that shows silly abbreviated synopsises for movies...for this movie it says "There's a plot twist, There's a plot twist, There's a plot twist...There's a plot twist...There's a plot twist...There's a plot twist...The End...There's a plot twist."
This sums up the movie very accurately. It's mind popcorn, nothing more. The saving grace of this movie is that you KNOW it's a melodrama that's really not to be taken seriously.
The main actors bring life into what could be very overdone characters. The cinematography is not to be missed, and the supporting cast fills in the movie nicely.
Not a great movie, but a good movie to vegg out to!
This sums up the movie very accurately. It's mind popcorn, nothing more. The saving grace of this movie is that you KNOW it's a melodrama that's really not to be taken seriously.
The main actors bring life into what could be very overdone characters. The cinematography is not to be missed, and the supporting cast fills in the movie nicely.
Not a great movie, but a good movie to vegg out to!
As my general comment, Wild Things is a slick and fun thriller, but that's comes from my second appreciation for it. My first experience with it is so dizzy and makes a headache to me. The plot, ala Hitchcock flicks, is so complicated. I have no enough satisfaction on it, so I decide to give it one more chance. Well, this time, after understanding the plot structure, make me more relax and fun to enjoy it. Therefore, my recommendation is, better watch it two times.
7/10
7/10
Good picture and sound quality, well cast, colours are strong and clear and the outdoor scenes are bathed in sunlight, skin tones look natural and not too bright. A playfully piano score and some pop music makes up the soundtrack.
Denise Richards & Neve Cambell did a good job in their roles. Richards plays a shallow split beauty, a good character for her, she's not convicting anyone as a nuclear scientist. Bill Murray adds a touch of comic relief. The film is a bit of a deconstruction of a fictional rich shallow community in the USA. A web of greed, corruption, conspiracy and lies quickly unravels. Neve Cambell was great playing a totally different character to Scream a year before. However comparing her figure to Denise Richards, Cambell does look a bit short and squat when they're both next to each other but I suppose the cinematographer couldn't do much about that. The ending is a bit dumb too, and the overuse of twists starts to make it feel very one note.
Denise Richards & Neve Cambell did a good job in their roles. Richards plays a shallow split beauty, a good character for her, she's not convicting anyone as a nuclear scientist. Bill Murray adds a touch of comic relief. The film is a bit of a deconstruction of a fictional rich shallow community in the USA. A web of greed, corruption, conspiracy and lies quickly unravels. Neve Cambell was great playing a totally different character to Scream a year before. However comparing her figure to Denise Richards, Cambell does look a bit short and squat when they're both next to each other but I suppose the cinematographer couldn't do much about that. The ending is a bit dumb too, and the overuse of twists starts to make it feel very one note.
Based on the trailers, I expected this to be a low-budget, B-movie that showed off the anatomies of pretty girls - not that that is entirely bad - but I do expect more from a movie.
In actuality, this is a very, very good plot that is executed well by the principal actors. Neve Campbell, Denise Richards (surprisingly), and especially Matt Dillion turn in very good performances. I always enjoy Bill Murray and his part in this movie, although fairly small, adds some levity.
I can't comment too much on this movie without spoiling it, except to say that things aren't always what they expect to be. There are a lot of plot twists, some that probably couldn't stand tremendous scrutiny, but are realistic enough to keep the audience engaged.
The other technical aspects of the movie - direction and cinematography - are done very well, too. That is, they are unobtrusive.
This really is a thoroughly entertaining film, and while it does contain one rather steamy scene, is not a cheap sex film, but a well-thought out, well-executed story. I highly recommend it.
In actuality, this is a very, very good plot that is executed well by the principal actors. Neve Campbell, Denise Richards (surprisingly), and especially Matt Dillion turn in very good performances. I always enjoy Bill Murray and his part in this movie, although fairly small, adds some levity.
I can't comment too much on this movie without spoiling it, except to say that things aren't always what they expect to be. There are a lot of plot twists, some that probably couldn't stand tremendous scrutiny, but are realistic enough to keep the audience engaged.
The other technical aspects of the movie - direction and cinematography - are done very well, too. That is, they are unobtrusive.
This really is a thoroughly entertaining film, and while it does contain one rather steamy scene, is not a cheap sex film, but a well-thought out, well-executed story. I highly recommend it.
Wild Things is a cult classic film of the late 1990's due to several things. First the film seems to be known for its twists and turns (most of which are unpredictable- several foreshadowing occurs with a lot attention to detail to be had), then there's its famous pool scene involving Denise Richards and Neve Campbell.
The film is relatively slow paced and not too engaging in its first half (about 50 minutes or so) then around once the first major reveal is shown, everything picks up (the pacing and plot), it become more intriguing and overall engaging. We want to see what is going to happen next.
Due to its twists and turns, those are what elevates the film from being relatively subpar. Wild Things is a serious drama dealing with a serious topic (rape case and allegations) yet the manner everything unfolds is somewhat trashy and in an MTV type style (this appears to be the appeal). The acting all around is respectable and convincing. "Not everyone is as they appear".
Overall not exactly a great film but it's unpredictability in the second half keeps you guessing and engaged.
The film is relatively slow paced and not too engaging in its first half (about 50 minutes or so) then around once the first major reveal is shown, everything picks up (the pacing and plot), it become more intriguing and overall engaging. We want to see what is going to happen next.
Due to its twists and turns, those are what elevates the film from being relatively subpar. Wild Things is a serious drama dealing with a serious topic (rape case and allegations) yet the manner everything unfolds is somewhat trashy and in an MTV type style (this appears to be the appeal). The acting all around is respectable and convincing. "Not everyone is as they appear".
Overall not exactly a great film but it's unpredictability in the second half keeps you guessing and engaged.
- christabeladebayo
- Nov 12, 2021
- Permalink
In Blue Bay's elite beach communities and into the murky waters of the Everglades, you would expect nothing beyond this venture until a guidance counselor (Matt Dillon) is accused of raping two high school students (Neve Campbell and Denise Richards). While they are two detectives on the cast (Kevin Bacon and Daphne Rubin-Vega), they find out there's more than meets the eye in the mystery of deceit, sex and greed.
Directed by John Mc Naughton (Herny:Portrait of a Serial Killer, Lansky, Normal Life) made an entertaining trashy noir that has an unique blend of sex, suspense, comedy and a twisted story. An terrific cast makes things enjoyable, which included:Theresa Russell, Robert Wagner and Bill Murray. This film wasn't much of a hit, when it was first released in the spring of 1998. But it turned into a cult hit on video.
The Unrated DVD has an sharp anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an good Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. The Unrated DVD adds seven minutes of additional footage, which it has some good moments...especially during the end credits and the characters are more fleshed-out in the Unrated DVD. "Wild Things" has an good moody music score by George S. Clinton (Austin Powers Trilogy) and striking camera work by Jeffery L. Kimball (Jacob's Ladder, Stigmata, True Romance) are one of the highlights of this guilty pleasure film. Bacon is also the film's executive producer. Murray is a hoot in his minor role as Dillon's lawyer. Written by Stephen Peters. Panavision. (****/*****).
Directed by John Mc Naughton (Herny:Portrait of a Serial Killer, Lansky, Normal Life) made an entertaining trashy noir that has an unique blend of sex, suspense, comedy and a twisted story. An terrific cast makes things enjoyable, which included:Theresa Russell, Robert Wagner and Bill Murray. This film wasn't much of a hit, when it was first released in the spring of 1998. But it turned into a cult hit on video.
The Unrated DVD has an sharp anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an good Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. The Unrated DVD adds seven minutes of additional footage, which it has some good moments...especially during the end credits and the characters are more fleshed-out in the Unrated DVD. "Wild Things" has an good moody music score by George S. Clinton (Austin Powers Trilogy) and striking camera work by Jeffery L. Kimball (Jacob's Ladder, Stigmata, True Romance) are one of the highlights of this guilty pleasure film. Bacon is also the film's executive producer. Murray is a hoot in his minor role as Dillon's lawyer. Written by Stephen Peters. Panavision. (****/*****).
- Leofwine_draca
- Feb 2, 2013
- Permalink
I wouldn't call this movie great, but it is still good and the cast does a nice job with this absurd rollercoaster of a script. Twenty minutes into my viewing had me convinced this was a film that had aged like milk. But luckily, this movie takes a turn for the better and is instead an insane thriller with twists at every corner. Perhaps, you could even argue that there is one or two many twists for its own good. But as long as you don't take it too seriously, you should have a lot of fun viewing this film.
- mattatthemovies
- Aug 7, 2022
- Permalink
- alansabljakovic-39044
- Dec 14, 2019
- Permalink
Maybe not, but she showed she can act. Funny that she hasn't been in more movies. She's a solid acting talent who is sexy but not flashy sexy like Denise Richards. What has happened to Neve Campbell? Wild Things plays like the summation of screwing around by high school teachers in you-name-it, USA. If you have watched The O.C. only to find yourself flipping to The O'Reilly Factor or the History Channel for some "action," give Wild Things a try. But if you are a high school teacher, don't watch it with your wife or girlfriend.
Teresa Russell shows she still has some flash, whatever that means.
This movie should be rate H for horny.
Teresa Russell shows she still has some flash, whatever that means.
This movie should be rate H for horny.
- alexisdetroit
- Aug 21, 2005
- Permalink
I'm glad I watched the interview with Denise Richards before I watched this, cause man, it would be very easy to mistake they took advantage of her, making this. Off the record, you don't have to be a genious to see Richards and Neve Campbell had two different contracts on nudity in the movie. With that.... I never had seen this before. I remember it was controversial for (at the time) it's pretty filthy story. I guess it's even more controversial today, in these PC times. It reminds me most of all of one of Jo Nesbø's many Harry Hole books, were there's more U-turns than New York the last 10 pages. Even down to the credits starts to roll, we get new scenes to explain the story. It's not necessary. Cause everyone here are douchebags. Specially Matt Dillon, who stares like a wolf on every pair of tits walking by. It's a fun, little whodonit, even if I personally don't buy every single twist here. Most of all, it's a showcase of how filthy Hollywood was at the time, with this and later the crown juwel, Showgirls. A fun time!
- tindfoting
- Aug 10, 2022
- Permalink
Magnificent storyline. While the basic storyline of what was happening was so simple it was so original as well. All the twists and turns kept you interested throughout the movie which is what people really want to see from a movie, not something that drags on and on about nothing and then finishes with the same kind of ending that every other movie does. Neve Campbell played a different type of role to what she's used to but did it very well. Matt Dillon (playing Sam Lambardo) was excellent although the role could have been cast slightly better maybe with George Clooney. Kevin Bacon gave another stellar performance and kept you interested in his role throughout the movie. But without a doubt the the best performance was Denise Richards who was absolutely perfect for the role. She couldn't have been cast better from anyone in the world. Her beauty made this movie what it was. I think a lot of people would consider Matt Dillon the luckiest man in the world.
- jtindahouse
- Sep 20, 2004
- Permalink
This was supposed to be a decent movie, but it really wasnt all that good. It started out pretty good, but then when all of the twists and turns started, the movie fell apart. Bill Murray has a funny cameo is Dillon's lawyer, but that's about it. The girls' performances are not so good either. I dont know why Kevin Bacon has top billing, he has little screentime compared to Dillon. Overall it's nothing special. ** out of ****, or 5 out of 10.
- Idocamstuf
- Mar 26, 2003
- Permalink
'Wild Things' is a hard film to comment on, basically because it is two films; or at least, one film in disguise. It commences as an "issue-based" melodrama, except that two things seem odd: the pacing is too fast (how is the story going to last the movie?) and the bizarre score seems more fitted to a comedy. Sure enough, this "straight" drama is wrapped up, only to subside into a larger thriller; a thriller in which twists and turns of the plot come at an ever faster rate, until in the end the film's aim is clearly to make you gasp rather than care (this is particularly evident when the missing holes in the plot are explained through the perfunctory insertion of extra scenes into the closing credits). So, to assess it we need to ask: what's the quality of the initial set-up; how good is the twisty thriller; and how well is the transition handled?
In fact, the same answer pretty much covers all three bases: badly. The initial drama is based around a high school teacher accused of sexual abuse. A potentially interesting situation, but presented in an absurd manner: the teacher seems terrified from the start that the moment he is alone with a girl, she'll fall out of her bra for him (and it's the kind of film where a lot of falling out of bras goes on); and sure enough, the moment that it happens, the girl in question (inevitably gorgeous) is accusing him of rape (and her evil mother is trying to run him out of town). One might suggest that one is meant to smell a rat as a lead in to the film's later development; but it's not just the details of the situation that ring false, but the portrayal of the whole world (when the girl, for example, first gives a statement, one policewoman suspects her of lying from the start, but never tells her colleagues (or us) why - indeed, all police work seems to proceed by arbitrary pronouncement at all points).
The twistier second half doesn't work either, in part because the first part proved so shallow; as none of the characters are likely or believable, who the hell cares if they aren't what they seem? As the twists mount, the whole thing feels more like a parody of a David Mamet film; one can only suppose that it's meant to be humourous, but there's no humour beyond the outlines of the plot. And the film's final joke depends entirely on the audience's prior relationship with Bill Murray; otherwise it simply makes no sense.
On the way to this disappointing end, it manages to commit most of the sins typical of films aimed at the teenaged market: gross materialism, gratuitous profanity and titillation, the insensitive intrusion of popular music in almost every scene, wafer thin characterisation and the complete absence of real insight into the human condition. In its defence, the brisk telling of the complex story ensures that, however shallow, 'Wild Things' isn't boring. But it is flimsy, exploitative entertainment hiding under the thinnest veneer of pretension. Avoid unless you've truly nothing worthwhile to do.
In fact, the same answer pretty much covers all three bases: badly. The initial drama is based around a high school teacher accused of sexual abuse. A potentially interesting situation, but presented in an absurd manner: the teacher seems terrified from the start that the moment he is alone with a girl, she'll fall out of her bra for him (and it's the kind of film where a lot of falling out of bras goes on); and sure enough, the moment that it happens, the girl in question (inevitably gorgeous) is accusing him of rape (and her evil mother is trying to run him out of town). One might suggest that one is meant to smell a rat as a lead in to the film's later development; but it's not just the details of the situation that ring false, but the portrayal of the whole world (when the girl, for example, first gives a statement, one policewoman suspects her of lying from the start, but never tells her colleagues (or us) why - indeed, all police work seems to proceed by arbitrary pronouncement at all points).
The twistier second half doesn't work either, in part because the first part proved so shallow; as none of the characters are likely or believable, who the hell cares if they aren't what they seem? As the twists mount, the whole thing feels more like a parody of a David Mamet film; one can only suppose that it's meant to be humourous, but there's no humour beyond the outlines of the plot. And the film's final joke depends entirely on the audience's prior relationship with Bill Murray; otherwise it simply makes no sense.
On the way to this disappointing end, it manages to commit most of the sins typical of films aimed at the teenaged market: gross materialism, gratuitous profanity and titillation, the insensitive intrusion of popular music in almost every scene, wafer thin characterisation and the complete absence of real insight into the human condition. In its defence, the brisk telling of the complex story ensures that, however shallow, 'Wild Things' isn't boring. But it is flimsy, exploitative entertainment hiding under the thinnest veneer of pretension. Avoid unless you've truly nothing worthwhile to do.
- paul2001sw-1
- May 20, 2004
- Permalink
Of course nobody's whining about the usual crap, so it can't really appeal to half of today's audience. But it's one of those movies, I've watched several times as a teen. And rewatching it today, it's still very satisfying. I like everything about it, and see people's reactions to its numerous revelations. Neve Campbell's part is obviously my favorite character in the movie, but the rest of the cast give solid acting, and keep the suspense until the end. It can make your head spin, with all the twists and turns. But you should stick to it regardless, and appreciate it until the very last shot.
Advice from friends and reviewers of this site made me rent "Wild Things" after all. This was to be a must see. Was it ? Not to me. The first hour of the film nothing happens at all, then there are some predictable plot-changes and then, finally, there are one or two surprises. Dillon and Murray are ok but the rest of the cast is acting as if their brains have been removed, notably Russell and Wagner contribute nothing to the film. "Wild Things...I think I don't love you" after all.
- jéwé
- Jan 5, 2000
- Permalink