Though I still enjoy this movie, I have to admit that the film gets goofier and goofier on repeat viewings. It's slick, funny and altogether entertaining, but the more I watch it the more I realize how unrealistic the film is. It especially pales in comparison to "Dangerous Liaisons," which has its flaws as well, but is much more smart and ingenious. I still find Sarah Michelle Gellar attractive, but for some reason I no longer find her all too sexy--and this is a big leap, since I used to have a crush on her. Plus, her performance is very one-note, failing to express the same subtle humanity Glenn Close did when portraying the same character. With Ryan Philippe, though his acting still needs plenty of brushing up, he delivers the right amount of emotion needed for his character and nicely inhabits the role of Sebastian Valmont. One of my problems is the film's dialogue, which is sometimes as goofy and unnecessarily raunchy as it is pretentious. Some of the songs in the soundtrack are highly dated, and now sound way too lame (i.e.: "Praise You" by Fatboy Slim). However, I did feel "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve fit perfectly with the final scene. But the score is effective, helping intensify the film's erotic tone.
I recommend this film if you're in the mind for some fun, entertaining, "Dawson's Creek-like" fluff, since that's all the film really is. It's not quite an artistic gem, though some of the set and costume designs are beautiful. But one thing's for sure: it's a hell of a lot better than the sequel! Except this film doesn't have a girl-girl shower/kissing scene, which kinda sucks.
My score: 7 (out of 10)
I recommend this film if you're in the mind for some fun, entertaining, "Dawson's Creek-like" fluff, since that's all the film really is. It's not quite an artistic gem, though some of the set and costume designs are beautiful. But one thing's for sure: it's a hell of a lot better than the sequel! Except this film doesn't have a girl-girl shower/kissing scene, which kinda sucks.
My score: 7 (out of 10)