Tags
1990's, Bill Murray, Denise Richards, Erotic Thriller, John McNaughton, Kevin Bacon, Matt Dillon, Neve Campbell, Theresa Russell, Thriller, Wild Things
Film Title
Wild Things
Director
John McNaughton
Starring
- Matt Dillon as Sam Lombardo
- Kevin Bacon as Detective Ray Duquette
- Neve Campbell as Suzie Toller
- Denise Richards as Kelly Van Ryan
- Theresa Russell as Sandra Van Ryan
- Bill Murray as Ken Bowden
Trashy, flashy, yet deliciously twisted and entertaining, Wild Things is not exactly going to go down as one of the best thrillers in the genre. But with twists a plenty and curve balls throwing you at every turn, it’s impossible not to be caught up in this sordid and deceptive film even if it is a hell of a guilty pleasure.
Sam Lombardo is a handsome and popular high school counselor trying to climb to the social elite of the paradise that is Blue Bay, Florida. He is lusted after by most women in town who wouldn’t mind a piece of him. One such girl is the bitchy but buxom Kelly Van Ryan, who has her advances rebuffed when she attempts to seduce him after washing his car for a fundraiser. Events take an unexpected turn when Kelly accuses Sam of rape. The once respected counselor’s life is torn to shreds by the accusations as they head to court. And to make matters worse, another student in the form of trailer trash punk Suzie Toller also accuses him of rape. Yet when the case arrives in courts, the real fireworks go off. What initially appears to be an open shut case becomes ever more complicated as Suzie reveals that the girls were lying to get back at Lombardo for dating Kelly’s harridan of a mother Sandra. With the case then apparently settled, everyone tries to go about their lives again. But Inspector Ray Duquette who was assigned to the case when the accusations were made is not so convinced that the case is over and smelling a rat, digs deeper into the sordid case. What he discovers is that no one is what they seem as beautiful but fatal women, multiple motives and double crosses collide in a steamy and seriously twisted game.
Straight off the bat, director John McNaughton gives us simultaneous shots of the murky Everglades and bikini-clad lovelies, to ensnare us into this world of money, lust and suspicion. And McNaughton is not above exploiting the body and pleasures of the flesh for the audience’s desire. I mean some of these scenes play out like something from an adult movie, tinged with a twisty plot thrown in. We have Kelly slinking out of a pool in a tight blue swimsuit, slowly combing her hair and patting herself down in slow motion. A vicious catfight between Suzie and Kelly that leads to a passionate kiss. And not forgetting the infamous menage a trois between Sam, Kelly and Suzie. For all its sleaziness and sometimes ridiculousness, Wild Things is actually quite a deceptive film that does leave you guessing who is telling the truth in a web of lies and lust, that is strangely reminiscent of Noir. It appears that from Wild Things that for all the alligators and snakes that populate the swamps, no creatures are as slimy as those in this movie. The horn and percussive drenched score further brings an erotic and dangerous pulse to the movie.
Considering the sometimes laughable B-movie dialogue on show, the actors at least look like they’re having a blast playing such dangerous and unpredictable characters. Matt Dillon has that smug grin that is called into question by accusations. Yet for all the seemingly pleas, Dillon makes Sam a character who you really aren’t sure whether to root for or hate. Kevin Bacon, who in my opinion can always be relied up to deliver, is great here as the inspector obsessed with busting open the unusual case and getting more than he bargained for. Neve Campbell plays it deceptively cool as the morally complex Suzie, who by turns vulnerable, lonely, strange and very elusive. Denise Richards is never going to go down as a great actress but she is suitably sexy and catty as the blue-blooded sexpot whose accusations set in motion the strange and unpredictable case. Theresa Russell is loose and unrestrained as Kelly’s mother who is prone to fits of rage and diva like antics. But it’s Bill Murray in a small role who has the most fun. As the ambulance-chasing, low-rent lawyer of Sam, Murray has a blast playing this quick-witted and slightly scheming guy.
Sleazy, erotic and dark-hearted, Wild Things is pure guilty pleasure, with a few neat twists thrown in for good measure.
Jordan Dodd said:
Woah talk about a trip down memory lane!!! I remember being a kid thinking that scene in the pool was the HOTTEST THING EVER!!! hehehe, I’ll have to watch this again one day for shits and giggles. A guilty pleasure for sure! nice review dude 🙂
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vinnieh said:
It is a hot scene to say the least. I have this image in my head of you just drooling watching it.
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Jordan Dodd said:
Stop making me laugh damn you!!! 😛 Haha!
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vinnieh said:
I don’t blame you if you did, it’s a hot scene.
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Jordan Dodd said:
so hot I probably watched it then rewound it about a hundred times as a kid!!
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vinnieh said:
Hehe, I think everyone has done that with a specific scene in the past.
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Jordan Dodd said:
😀 😀
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vinnieh said:
If anyone says they haven’t, it’s obviously a lie.
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Jordan Dodd said:
hehe, damn straight!
have a good one mate, gotta get an early night
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vinnieh said:
Have a good sleep Mr Ladies Man.
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beetleypete said:
This is probably the best ever ‘Trash-Noir’. It is simply irresistible. Neve, Denise, and Theresa; who cares about the script? Not me, that’s for sure. And it is a lot better than it sounds, with a killer twist, and great locations too. Only topped by ‘Bound’, this is definitely one not to miss.
Good call V.
Cheers, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
Cheers Pete. Yeah it isn’t a movie for subtlety with bare chests, asses and sex all on show. Yet this only adds to the movies appeal.
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beetleypete said:
It certainly does mate!
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vinnieh said:
A definite guilty pleasure of a movie.
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movierob said:
great review Vinnie!
glad u finally saw this.
really is such a great guilty pleasure 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Such a guilty pleasure Rob.
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movierob said:
Really is, but its such a great presentation of the story. Loved how they show the missing scenes during the credits (long before The Hangover used this idea)
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vinnieh said:
I liked the way they did that as well.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Nice choice Vinnie, and superb review! This is definitely a guilty pleasure.
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vinnieh said:
Much appreciate your comment Kim.
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The Telltale Mind said:
That was a fun movie during its time. Are you going to watch the other two to complete the trilogy?
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vinnieh said:
Thanks, I don’t think I will. Maybe in the future.
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Beth said:
I had no idea – thought it was a silly teen movie – and now must watch it!
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vinnieh said:
I’d give it a go.
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abbiosbiston said:
Curve balls…Bacon’s balls…
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vinnieh said:
Hehe, and don’t forget Kevin’s Bacon on show.
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David said:
Delicious fun! Murray for the win!
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vinnieh said:
Hehe, he really does steal all the scenes he is in.
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David said:
He’s the best part! Nice review Vinnie.
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vinnieh said:
He really does have a good time in the film.
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emmakwall said:
Never seen this but maybe one day I will! Seems a lot of fun (and very rude!)
Great review as ever Mr Vinnie 🙂
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vinnieh said:
It is very saucy Emma, you can practically feel the sweat from the screen.
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emmakwall said:
Sensual!
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vinnieh said:
Indeed it is, especially Denise Richards rising from the pool in slow mo, breathing heavily and backed by a horn heavy soundtrack.
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emmakwall said:
Dramatic!!!! ❤
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vinnieh said:
And sexy as hell. Just realised that my comment sounded like something from erotic fiction, hehe.
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emmakwall said:
Have you ever considered writing erotic fiction Vinnie? 🙂
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vinnieh said:
No I haven’t.
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emmakwall said:
Would you?
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vinnieh said:
I’m not sure, do you think I’d be any good at it?
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emmakwall said:
Hell yeah!
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vinnieh said:
Any particular reason why?
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theipc said:
Very nice! I’ve never actually seen this whole thing. Great picture of Richards : )
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vinnieh said:
I knew you’d like that image Eric.
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Akhiz said:
aaah the 90’s,i was in my teens when it came and i remember we all (me and my friends) went gaga over Denise Richards….. 90’s movies had that flair that seems to be missing from movies of today…. nostalgia 🙂
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vinnieh said:
I can understand what you mean, I was born in the 90’s and often find that so many good movies came out of the decade when I look back.
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alexraphael said:
Both actresses were so hot at the time. A bit raunchier than the kiss in cruel Intentions ha. Guilty pleasure nails it perfectly.
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vinnieh said:
Can’t argue there, both girls were hot.
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Laura said:
I might give this ago, it seems like one I’d love to hate!
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vinnieh said:
Give it a go Laura, it’s super sexy.
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The Vern said:
Im kind of surprised that Eric has not seen this yet. It has things he likes. You are right in saying that it’s style is almost like a cheesey porno flick, but it does have good noir elements that make you want to stay and watch the story even after the sexy 3 way scene.
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vinnieh said:
Appreciate your comments Vern, it does have some surprisingly good Noir moments alike you said.
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Tom said:
One twist too many for my liking, and Murray is just ridiculously out of place in this but there’s no denying that Wild Things symbolizes a very particular kind of guilty pleasure film. Male fantasy at its almost-finest.
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vinnieh said:
Definitely agree with your last sentence.
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Saurabh said:
B)
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HusbandAndHusband said:
WOW! it’s been a very long time since I’ve seen this movie, but your review made me want to watch it again.
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vinnieh said:
It’s still as steamy as it once was.
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