"Cruel Intentions" is a ruthless, cutthroat movie that goes right for the zone of discomfort, and succeeds admirably. It plays out like an R-rated daytime soap opera, it contains scenes that push the teen-movie genre to its limits, and shows no apparent shame in its wallow in trashy style. But these traits are in it's favor; after all, there's nothing I like more than a teen movie that places its characters into lifestyles where they have nothing better to do than torment others repeatedly.

That's exactly what this latest adaptation of Choderlos de Laclos' novel, "Les Liasons Dangereuses," does, and it does so in a manner that does its source justice. Basically, the old story is placed in modern times, and who could find an age group more capable of salaciousness and low-lying tactics than the terrible teens?

The film casts Sarah Michelle Gellar, resident vampire slayer and all-around good girl, as Kathryn Merteuil, who delights in watching those around her squirm under her grasp. This trait is mirrored by the likes of her stepbrother, Sebastian Valmont, played by Ryan Phillipe, who takes pleasure in seducing young women without pause for air. If you need more in-depth characterization, here's a case-in-point: his most recent effort, Marci, happens to be the daughter of his therapist. His reason: "She was overcharging."

The tale of deception begins with a bet between our step-siblings, centering around whether or not Sebastian will succeed in charming the pants off of Annette Hargrove (Reese Witherspoon), the daughter of the new headmaster of their prestigious private school. Annette, a self-proclaimed virgin who values her virtue, is put off by Sebastian's off-the-cuff remarks and various advances; if anything, the movie does not dig deep enough into their blossoming relationship. Whereas a movie like "Dangerous Liaisons" examined their love in-depth, "Intentions" merely skims the surface.

But this otherwise fatal flaw is easily overlooked as the story shifts focus to a subplot involving the young, naive Cecile (Selma Blair), whom Kathryn wishes to ruin socially after discovering that Cecile unknowingly takes company with Kathryn's former boyfriend. Using various characters like Cecile's mother, and her cello instructor Ronald, to her advantage, Kathryn brings Cecile under her wing in her plan to corrupt her, with a little help from Sebastian.

Anyone who knows the original story, or has seen the previous film versions, will no doubt have complaints. I look at this adaptation as focusing more on the underhanded elements of the source, devoting its time to developing the subplots involving deception, betrayal, mistrust, and ultimately, sweet revenge. Director Roger Kumble fashions the events around the usual teen movie cliches, and does so without abandon, in effect making a movie that is more mature, not to mention scandalous, than most of the audience it caters to.

The stand-outs are Gellar and Phillipe, who take a big risk in portraying such amoral and self-serving characters. Gellar takes a big step up, proving her versatility by pulling out all the stops. She makes Kathryn the girl we love to hate, all-the-while managing to find the essence of the original character. Phillipe's swarthy presence and pompous demeanor are far-more fetching than the smarm that later befalls his character, but he nonetheless fills the role commendably. Witherspoon injects a virtuous candor that is much-needed, while Blair is uncannily humorous as the naive object of revenge.

By looks alone, "Cruel Intentions" is just another teen movie most teens aren't even old enough to gain admission to, but at its heart, there's more at work than firts expected. The adaptation is commendable in many aspects, the acting savory, the payoff delicious. I was able to enjoy the movie because it knows it is trash and revels in that fact, becoming a flirtatious romp of a film that knows enough to show no shame where none is needed.

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