What a surprise! I went to see "Cruel Intentions" expecting an entertaining movie, but nothing beyond that. I was pleasantly surprised. This is a standout film in a sea of mediocre teen films.
The storyline of the film is nothing new. It is an acknowledged modernisation of the novel "Les Liaisons Dangereuses", which was also the subject of the 1988 film "Dangerous Liaisons". It is a storyline that works well today (and this is not often the case with modern versions of period pieces).
The three lead actors, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillipe and Reese Witherspoon, are all excellent in their roles. I was unsure of what Gellar would be like, but she was very convincing as the deplorable Kathryn - a departure from her role as Buffy the Vampire Slayer! Phillipe's performance was quite moving in places. He was well cast in the role.
Don't write "Cruel Intentions" off as another "teen flick". It is definitely worth seeing.