40/25
This will be the third attempt at a television series set in the world of Cruel Intentions (1999)
Story
After an embarrassing incident at their elite college, stepsisters Caroline and Lucien decide to maintain their power and reputation by seducing the daughter of the Vice President of the United States. The direct-to-video sequel Cruel Intentions 2 (2000), starring Amy Adams, who replaced Sarah Michelle Gellar as Kathryn Merteuil, was originally a scripted television series and then adapted into a feature film. Gellar would later reprise her role as Kathryn in the 2016 NBC pilot Cruel Intentions (2016), which was not ordered into a series after Cruel Intentions (1999).
The show promised so much but delivered so little
The plot is painfully dull, dragging on without any real direction or intrigue. The characters are one-dimensional, lacking depth or development, and leaving nothing to connect with or root for. The dialogue feels unnatural, almost clumsy, as if it’s trying too hard to be clever or engaging.
The casting decisions don’t help either
The attempts at flirtation are decidedly awkward, especially since there’s no chemistry between the actors. It’s a far cry from the charm and effortless connection we’ve seen in the movies. Instead, it feels like a bunch of theater students fumbling through a poorly written play, trying to emulate the intrigue of the original and failing miserably.
The brother, for example, is completely out of place
Not only does he lack the charisma or charm the role requires, but his presence is downright creepy. He lacks any sex appeal, making the character unconvincing and forgettable. The whole thing is an embarrassing flop from start to finish.