I have loved the movie Cruel Intentions since I was far too young to be watching it. So when there was news that it was being turned into a tv show, I was cautious. Generally speaking tv shows that are based off of 90s and early 2000s films are really not good (Heathers, Legally Blonde, 10 Things I Hate About You). But after rewatching the movie I think it is fathomable that this could be good IF they let the characters be terrible people. That was the main problem with the Gossip Girl reboot is they were trying to make the spoiled rich kids, loving and inclusive and that was insane. That said, let's get into the first episode of Cruel Intentions.
Making the rich spoiled kids a part of a sorority was a great move. Makes perfect sense. I think structuring this on a college campus is also far more suitable for a tv show as opposed to the movie happening in the summer before they went back to school.
We sort of completely changed Cecile's role in this story and relationship to the main characters. She still seems kind of naïve in some ways but she very much seems to worship Caroline. And she seems far more type A.
Catheryn is now Caroline, and Sebastian is Lucien. Okay so we seem to be coasting on the vibes of cruel intentions but there really aren't any other similarities, might be for the best. It's more like cruel intentions meets gossip girl which does seem to be a good approach for this. I really don’t hate it, I think it's better that it kind of separated itself as the film is so iconic. But the characterizations at least feel accurate.
It's no longer a bet, Caroline simply asks her step brother to sleep with Annie so that she’ll pledge her sorority in exchange she offers herself. So the people chess and pseudo incest remain the same.
The guy that plays Ronald in the OG movie has a role in the new tv show! Great pull. I love that.
Zac Burgess as Lucien is literally perfect. He’s charming, he’s attractive, he looks a little like a douchebag, it's incredible casting. Sarah Catherine Hook looks a lot like Brie Larson and she's perfect.
Caroline, Lucien and Blaise are all clearly in cahoots against Rork and I love this for them. We are already in with the takedowns in episode 1, very very Gossip Girl.
“I don’t fuck losers” is tight out of the original movie and I love it. The girl is literally perfect, she is my Blair Waldorf.
Unlike the original movie, Lucien seems a lot more willing to do his sister's bidding. We will see how that grows and evolves as their deal unfolds.
And this girl that slept with Lucien at the spring formal last year is trying to sway Annie as well as take on the whole Greek system…I don't see that ending well for her. And then we have a bunch of things that were set up that are going to need to be answered for in these next 7 episodes.
Honestly I think that the show is off to a great start, they kept all the things that made the original film so iconic while also ushering a new era into the story. I love the setting and structural changes. And I think that updating the characters names and roles but keeping their characterizations was an incredible idea. This really could be the new Gossip Girl if the show keeps going like this. I feel like this is what people wanted from the Gossip Girl reboot.
About the Creator
Alexandrea Callaghan
Certified nerd, super geek and very proud fangirl.
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Cruel Intentions
TV shows based off of popular movies are nothing new. Even more so from movies released in the 90s/early 2000s. Adding to that very long list is Cruel Intentions, the cult classic from 1999. We thought that before the release of the TV show we should revisit the classic film. The casting in this film is one of the many things that makes this film iconic. Selma Blair, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Joshua Jackson, Ryan Phillipe and Reece Witherspoon made this film timeless.
By Alexandrea Callaghanabout a year ago in Geeks
Silver Screen Magic with Mae West
American actress and singer Mae West became a popular film actress during the Great Depression. She started entertaining in vaudeville, then performed on Broadway, and finally went to Hollywood. She signed up with Paramount Pictures and made her debut in the 1932 film “Night After Night.” She also starred in musicals, comedies, and crime dramas. The American Film Institute named her one of the best classic Hollywood actresses.
By Rasma Raisters5 days ago in Geeks
Michael Vartan
Michael Vartan has long been one of Hollywood’s most recognizable yet understated actors. Known for his charm, emotional range, and consistent performances, Vartan built a career that resonated strongly with television audiences, particularly during the early 2000s. While he may not dominate headlines today, interest in Michael Vartan now reflects how lasting his impact has been on fans who grew up watching his work. Early Life and Entry Into Acting Michael Vartan was born on November 27, 1968, in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. Raised between France and the United States, he grew up in a multicultural environment that shaped his worldview. His mother was an American artist, and his father was a French actor and writer, which gave him early exposure to the creative world. Before acting became a serious pursuit, Vartan worked behind the scenes in the film industry. He served as an assistant to directors, gaining firsthand experience with the mechanics of filmmaking. This background gave him a grounded understanding of storytelling—an element that later showed in the depth and restraint of his performances. Breakthrough Roles and Rising Popularity Michael Vartan’s acting career began in the 1990s with roles in films such as The Pallbearer and Never Been Kissed. While these projects introduced him to mainstream audiences, his true breakthrough came with television. In 2001, Vartan was cast as Michael Vaughn in the spy drama Alias. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, and his portrayal of the calm, morally driven CIA agent earned widespread praise. His on-screen chemistry with Jennifer Garner played a significant role in the series’ success and cemented Vartan’s status as a fan favorite. Alias allowed Michael Vartan to showcase more than just leading-man appeal. His character balanced action with emotional vulnerability, making him relatable despite the high-stakes spy narrative. For many viewers, this role remains the defining chapter of his career. Career After Alias Following the end of Alias, Michael Vartan continued working steadily in both television and film. He appeared in movies like Monster-in-Law and One Hour Photo, demonstrating his willingness to explore varied genres. On television, he took on leading and supporting roles in shows such as Hawthorne, Bates Motel, and The Arrangement. These performances reflected a shift toward more mature, nuanced characters, aligning naturally with his growth as an actor. Rather than chasing constant visibility, Vartan seemed selective, choosing projects that interested him creatively. This approach contributed to his reputation as a dependable and thoughtful performer rather than a celebrity driven by trends. Michael Vartan Now: Life Away From the Spotlight When people search for Michael Vartan now, they are often curious about why he appears less frequently on screens. The answer is not controversy or retirement, but balance. In recent years, Vartan has stepped back from high-profile roles, focusing more on personal life and selective professional opportunities. He has spoken openly in the past about the pressures of fame and the importance of mental health. This honesty resonated with fans and helped explain his quieter presence in Hollywood. Instead of constant exposure, Michael Vartan now represents a different model of success—one defined by longevity and personal well-being. Though he is not as active as he once was, he remains connected to the industry and continues to receive interest from both creators and audiences. His legacy ensures that his work is still revisited by new viewers discovering his shows through streaming platforms. Acting Style and Lasting Appeal What sets Michael Vartan apart is his subtlety. He is not known for over-the-top performances or dramatic transformations. Instead, his strength lies in emotional authenticity. Whether playing a spy, a doctor, or a troubled partner, his characters often feel grounded and believable. This realism helped him maintain relevance across different eras of television. His performances age well because they rely on human emotion rather than stylistic trends. For fans revisiting his work today, that quality remains just as compelling. Cultural Impact and Fan Connection While Michael Vartan may not dominate social media or entertainment news cycles, his fan base remains loyal. Online discussions, rewatch threads, and renewed interest in shows like Alias continue to introduce his work to younger audiences. His career serves as an example of how consistency and integrity can leave a lasting impression without constant self-promotion. In an industry that often rewards noise, Vartan’s quieter approach stands out. Final Thoughts Michael Vartan’s journey through Hollywood reflects a career built on steady growth, thoughtful choices, and respect for the craft of acting. From his early days behind the camera to his memorable television roles, he carved out a space that remains relevant even years later. For those wondering about Michael Vartan now, the answer is simple: he is living on his own terms, with a legacy already firmly established. His story reminds us that success in entertainment does not always mean being everywhere—it can also mean being remembered.
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