A Major Disappointment

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

It is both painfully honest and laugh-out-loud funny at the same time.

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

Saw some plot twists coming. Missed others. Maybe it was because there couldn't be another one coming. Nope, there was. When it was over I wondered if the screenplay was written on the fly. Despite all the flaws, the movie was entertaining. It would be hard not to be with all that eye candy.

17 years after seeing Wild Things, my memory is pretty sketchy, much the same as the movie. All I can recall is that there were some interesting plot twists and turns that kept me watching. The story of a detective--Kevin Bacon, I think--involved in something or another about murder and a guidance counselor--Matt Dillon?--and two nymphets-- Neve Campbell and Denise Richards--and, oh, whatever. The only reason people, er, guys watch this movie is to see Campbell and Richards having sex. Wild Things is raunchy, but it has just enough skill in the storytelling that it isn't purely soft porn.If you're not terribly interested in letting the mutt in your brain pan lick himself (Stop that, Rover!) while watching the two gals "kiss and make up," you may find Wild Things marginally interesting, although it gets off (sorry) to a very weak start that telegraphs that much of the film's focus is below the belt.Funny story: At the recent White House Correspondents' Dinner, Fox News' Jesse Watters was interviewing Neve Campbell and brought up the pool scene with Denise Richards and her. She got a snarky grin on her face and said something like "It figures you'd like that."I'm no prude, but was that a slam at Watters or conservatives or just guys in general?My mutt would respond but he's busy.

Wild Things (1998): Dir: John McNaughton / Cast: Neve Campbell, Denise Richards, Matt Dillon, Kevin Bacon, Bill Murray: Full of double crosses that transpires with manipulation as a school guidance counsellor is accused of raping two girls. He is fired and lands in court. Local police do not believe the girls due to lack of evidence. Clever plotting with nobody pin pointed as who they seem to be. The ads promise sex and seduction and this film delivers in full explicit mode. Director John McNaughton films fetching everglade atmosphere that work for mood and mystery. He previously made the controversial Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer. Matt Dillon plays the guidance counsellor who becomes the victim of manipulation. Kevin Bacon plays a hard edge cop investigating the case. Neve Campbell and Denise Richards portray the two girls who may or may not be guilty. Bill Murray steals scenes as a lawyer providing humour as he proceeds to irritate the females on the stand. Screenplay manipulates but mainly to avoid being predictable, which it certainly is not. Some viewers may question whether or not the double crosses play fair within the realms of realism but thankfully it holds strong to elements that have occurred in reality. It presents a strong theme regarding manipulation and how one can be victimized by deceit and lust and other wild things. Score: 8 / 10

So, if you're interested in watching this movie for the 'classic' Neve Campbell/Denise Richards scene, all the power to you. If you would like to watch a good movie, pass this one up. This movie proves that even decent actors can't fix a bad script. Oh, there are a lot of twists & turns to attempt to move the plot along & keep you interested, but there's no escaping the ridiculous dialogue & farcical acting. In my opinion, Matt Dillon and Kevin Bacon should be ashamed of themselves. Like I said before, if you want to watch it for the 'classic' Neve Campbell/Denise Richards scenes, that's cool, but that's all there is, & the only reason I gave it 2 stars.