Dangerous Liaisons

This is a French contemporary adaptation of Dangerous Liaisons and I am afraid that it isn't very good. There were a few bits here and there that I enjoyed...like the lead actress who plays Celene (gorgeous with her contrasting eye color), and the rap song that tells the story in a very modern way. It was pretty wild that they would have a modern retelling and then have a theatrical production of another modern retelling of the same story within the film. It's almost as though they couldn't make up their mind about which way they wanted to go. The contrived social media aspect was truly horrible, but the worst part of the film is the change in the ending. Did they think the modern climate couldn't handle the real deal? I thought the film Cruel Intensions did a much better job telling the story in a modern and believable way...so I am going to recommend that film instead of this one. Best part of the film was the French Atlantic coast setting, but you don't get to see a lot of it.

This movie was clearly a made for TV version of the movie 'Cruel Intentions'. It was almost like the writers and director had another project waiting in the wings and needed to rush this movie. From the bet to the characters falling for each other, everything is rushed and unemotional. Of course they have to throw in a gay character just because it's 2022. They serve no real purpose in this movie. The supposed mean girl, Vanessa is surface level nasty and her two best friends are miscast. I cannot imagine this group of girls hanging out together. There is tons of profanity just to make the movie seem edgy. The character Charlotte, is confusing and unbearable to watch. Some of the acting is terrible, especially Tao and Vanessa's two friends. I imagine this is their first role. I'd say skip this and watch 'Cruel Intentions', Ryan Phillippe and Sarah Michelle Geller are really good in their roles.