Viewed – 31 August 2008  DVD

High society step-siblings Ryan Phillippe & Sarah Michelle Gellar make a bet to seduce squeaky clean head-master’s daughter Reese Witherspoon for their own evil kicks, but soon learn that their game comes at a price.

I recall absolutely loving this sharp and stylish take on classic steamy drama Dangerous Liaisons, transported to the modern-day with a teen-movie twist.  Yet now, probably with a more mature sensibility, I found the film painted a very dark picture of teen sex & promiscuity, glossed over by the character’s filthy-rich surroundings.  Saying that, Ryan Phillippe is far from your one note scumbag, proving both uber-cool and heartbreaking; whilst Sarah Michelle Gellar is brilliantly evil and damn sexy for it.  Selma Blair is on hand for comedy relief but remains pointless, and Reese Witherspoon is perfect as the good girl lured by the dark side, offering a glimps of light in this film’s otherwise moral dungeon.  As the debut of writer-director Roger Kumble (yes, I haven’t heard of him since either) this is a bold updating of a classic story, but in this age of drugs, sex and the fear of STDs, it remains rather dangerous and at the same time, a touch immature.  For a much more real story of teen sex issues, I recommend Larry Clarke’s stunning KIDS.

Yet throw in a brilliant soundtrack, a killa-ending and some great dialogue – and however you stand on the subject, this still  works well.  Just remember to wipe your feet on the way out.

Verdict:  3 /5