Wild Things (1998)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Jeff "

  
  Wild Things is of course a film that people have heard much about because of the kissing scene between Denise Richard and Neve Campbell. That was obviously one of the high points of the film, but what makes the film good is the elaborate plot twists that the film offers to the… More
  Wild Things is of course a film that people have heard much about because of the kissing scene between Denise Richard and Neve Campbell. That was obviously one of the high points of the film, but what makes the film good is the elaborate plot twists that the film offers to the unsuspecting viewer. Wild Things is thrilling film with a surprising well executed story. The film has its flaws, but for the most part, it succeeds at being very entertaining. The cast are surprisingly good here, and Denise Richard actually delivers a pretty good performance. Wild Things is an intricate film that tends to deceive, and what you see is never what you actually think it is. The plot twists and turns and it keeps you guessing till the end, and that's what makes the film good. But the thing I didn't really like about the film, is that it felt almost teen oriented and if they would've focused more on a story that adults would enjoy thoroughly, it would've been much better. The downside was that the film felt slightly like a 90210 episode. Not much, but a bit, luckily there's enough good things going on on-screen that makes up for the bad points, and even with the slight teen feel, Wild Things works well enough to be an effective thriller. Obviously the biggest thing that's going for Wild Things is the make out scene with Neve Campbell and Denise Richard, but it's not that spectacular actually. For me though, Wild Things biggest strength is the unfolding plot twists, and without them, the film would suck. Pretty good film considering the somewhat lacking elements which I pointed out earlier in this review.

• Drew S

  
  It hurts my brain to think that someone actually wrote this movie. Wild Things' journey from Point A to Point B is so convoluted and messy, it's almost as if some sad screenwriter drew a beginning and ending out of a hat and resolved to connect them with a million other plot… More
  It hurts my brain to think that someone actually wrote this movie. Wild Things' journey from Point A to Point B is so convoluted and messy, it's almost as if some sad screenwriter drew a beginning and ending out of a hat and resolved to connect them with a million other plot points from that same hat in between. The movie is like a hyperactive toddler with a story to tell; you might get the whole story eventually and it'll probably be sort of funny, but it's punctuated in really bizarre places and you eventually start to get fed up and just want to hear the ending. Honestly, by the time I got to the end of this movie, I looked back and thought "what the fuck" to myself and sort of left it on the ground. I mean, there are plot twists DURING AND AFTER THE CREDITS. It's like, come on guys, can we please just call it a night? Wild Things' sheer audacity makes it memorable, at the very least, but more tiring than anything. That said, though, it's really rather fun in a trashy way. I think the casting absolutely hamstrings it, as Denise Richards and Matt Dillon can really only take you to predictable places, the former as a fake-naive sexpot and the latter as a gruff authoritative sexpot (and Neve Campbell, who I generally like, is pretty awful here). It looks shitty in a way that suggests there wasn't much more on the DP's mind than cramming as much as Denise Richards' naked, writhing body on the screen as often as possible. But hey, if a 27-year-old with fake breasts pretending to be a high schooler does it for you, then by all means. Kevin Bacon's pretty fun, though of course it takes about five thousand plot twists for him to get there. Basically every character in this movie is involved in at least twenty or thirty plot twists so that's not really a spoiler. Honestly, I'm really surprised that there wasn't some ultimate fuck-off "it was all Denise Richards' schizophrenic delusion" plot twist at the end. Thank goodness for small blessings, I suppose.

• Jason O

  
  Very overrated. Yes, even the girl kiss scene.

• Anthony L

  
  Was overhyped at the time but it had a good cast and kept me entertained. I liked the naughty bits ;o)

• Nani V

  
  For the longest I had no idea what this movie was about. I seriously thought it was just some huge sex movie, since all I ever heard about was the scene with Neve Campbell and Denise Richards making out. It turns out to be much more than that; there's actually a storyline! I… More
  For the longest I had no idea what this movie was about. I seriously thought it was just some huge sex movie, since all I ever heard about was the scene with Neve Campbell and Denise Richards making out. It turns out to be much more than that; there's actually a storyline! I thought it was clever and was quite happy with the ending. =) Denise Richards play a rich girl, Kelly. Neve Campbell is Susie or Suzy, however it's spelled, a girl who lives in the trailer park. They both acuse, (Matt Dillon) Sam Lombardo, guidance counsler of rape. Kevin Bacon plays a cop who thinks the girls are lying and tries to figure out why. I'd recommend this if you were a skeptic like me.

• Cassandra M

  
  Wild Things is a fantastic example of what can be achieved by not worrying about substance and having a film play for straight entertainment value. Here we have a film that takes elements such as beautiful stars, beautiful locations and a bucket load of plot twists and blends it all… More
  Wild Things is a fantastic example of what can be achieved by not worrying about substance and having a film play for straight entertainment value. Here we have a film that takes elements such as beautiful stars, beautiful locations and a bucket load of plot twists and blends it all into a highly enjoyable film experience. Of course, Wild Things doesn't always come across very realistically and, at times even, it's downright ridiculous; but it's done in such a way that it doesn't matter, and because of that we have a film that can do what it wants. The film is helmed by John McNaughton, who had his first success with the cult horror flick Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer. It has to be said that the scene setting and way that the plot moves is somewhat ham-fisted, as sometimes it's painfully obvious that certain sections of the film exist only to give it another selling point; the argument that starts out between Denise Richards and Neve Campbell beside a swimming pool being a case in point. However, McNaughton makes good of these selling points, and for every three way sex scene and absurd plot twist, the film gains an extra point for trashy entertainment value. It's not immediately obvious what Wild Things is going to be about, as the first twenty minutes serve only in setting the scene and from that base, the film could easily turn into any teenage school flick. However, it turns out that this time is well used; as by nulling the audience into a false sense of security, the film is able to make sure that every twist comes as a surprise. The film benefits from a great big name cast, which is anchored by Matt Dillon; who gives one of his best performances. Dillon clearly enjoys himself, and his persona is able to suit both the sleazy and upstanding nature of his character. Kevin Bacon sleepwalks and isn't really able to show his true talent, and similarly Neve Campbell looks out of place (sexy with it) in her role as a teenage junkie. However, Denise Richards rounds the piece of nicely with a charged performance and the ensemble is nicely topped off by the likes of Bill Murray, Theresa Russell and Robert Wagner. The settings that the movie takes place in look great, and ensure that there's more eye candy than just the female leads. Director McNaughton presents a fabulously mysterious atmosphere which obviously bodes well with the plot and, on the whole, if you want a couple of hours of entertainment; you can do a lot, lot worse than this twisty little flick.

• danny d

  
  a little too devious for my taste, and obviously not a good movie by most standards, but i did think it was a bit more clever than its broadly given credit for being. while this might have been a bad move for murray in some regards, he lent some needed charisma to this film that… More
  a little too devious for my taste, and obviously not a good movie by most standards, but i did think it was a bit more clever than its broadly given credit for being. while this might have been a bad move for murray in some regards, he lent some needed charisma to this film that actually made it more enjoyable. decent.

• Tim S

  
  Not really a great film, the focus on Campbell & Richards is it's primary strength.

• Craig S

  
  <u><b>Directed by:</u></b> John McNaughton. <u><b>Starring:</u></b> Matt Dillon, Denise Richards, Neve Campbell, Kevin Bacon, Bill Murray. <i><<"Listen, I'm gunna be here a while kid, why don't you go up to… More
  <u><b>Directed by:</u></b> John McNaughton. <u><b>Starring:</u></b> Matt Dillon, Denise Richards, Neve Campbell, Kevin Bacon, Bill Murray. <i><<"Listen, I'm gunna be here a while kid, why don't you go up to the highway and catch the bus...and hey Jimmy, people ain't always what they appear to be...don't forget that.">></i> The story focuses on a high school counselor, a man of high respect and a great track record. When he is accused of rape by a rich student who is in love with him, things start to crash around him and it is only made worse when a trailer trash girl raises the same allegations. The cops believe that they have framed him and what follows is a twisted story of betrayal, sex and murder. Its countlessly flawed and I feel that the writers know that, but they do what they can and succeed. Twists come by the minute and successfully surprise, even though they are followed by silly reasons why. What the film aims for, it does well. One part softcore porn and one part seductive thriller, with some noir undertones in its themes...these things are worked to there advantage and although competently directed, its a little disappointing to not see more of a noir feel in the style. The acting is B grade as expected and its fun to see the bad acting shine. Denise Richards fits in well with her hammy delivery, but she does manage to maintain quite a sexy persona. Neve Campbell is about the same but keeps her characters devilish charm at a high which works well into the story. The list continues and they are all equally bad in there delivery, but its great to see Bill Murray play so well off his interesting character. Many have said it and I will say it again...Wild Things is a guilty pleasure. Flawed in many ways, but is a high quality B-grade thriller by keeping the twists coming, the catfights at a high and keeping the suspense flowing all the way through. Naturally its 'so bad, its good', but its also better in some ways.

• Aaron N

  
  District Attorney Bryce Hunter: You were supposed to spy on them. Not to film some porn flick! This movie is amazing. It has a plot containing twist after twist, with characters Hitchcock would be proud of. It is also bordering on the level of soft core porn. Then you can throw in… More
  District Attorney Bryce Hunter: You were supposed to spy on them. Not to film some porn flick! This movie is amazing. It has a plot containing twist after twist, with characters Hitchcock would be proud of. It is also bordering on the level of soft core porn. Then you can throw in some soap opera drama as well as some over the top situations and other hilarity. Taking place in Southern Florida, Matt Dillon is a hunky high school counselor that all the kids like. Denise Richards and Neve Campbell are two students, one a bitchy rich girl, the other a trouble making trailer trash girl. Kevin Bacon is also here as a cop. Robert Wagner and Theresa Russell also show up to round out the cast as well. Problems arise as these two students accuse Dillon's character of rape. It is at that point that Bill Murray enters the scene as a lawyer, who is so funny at everything he does, that his twenty minute cameo is more than welcome. As the plot moves on, various things occur that show how things are definetely not the way they seem. And that's basically all there is to say without ruining everything. Suffice it to say, by the end, everything is quite satisfying, but make sure to stay through the credits, because it contains more explanations to the twists that occur. What would seem a highlight for the film, is the infamous threesome scene, and while it is pretty damn hot, the movie is entertaining in all regards. Kevin Dillon and Matt Dillon in particular, are loving the roles they have, and make them work. The soundtrack of this movie is perfect as well. Capturing the feel of the setting and playing into the themes of the film. It's trashy entertainment at its best. Kelly Van Ryan: [She and Nicole are going to wash Sam's car] So, where's your hose, Mr. Lombardo?

• Curtis L

  
  blah. Matt dillon can eat poop.

• Dean !

  
  A great, sexy thriller with more twists than a Pizzeria pepper pot!! Cool plot but need to be a wake to follow it all.

• Michael S

  
  Two words: Guilty Pleasure.

• Jason S

  
  People focus on the sex in this one but I thought it was a well put together mystery.

• Michael G

  
  At least Bill Murray was in it.

• Dean M

  
  Neve Campbell and Denise Richards are hotter in this suspense film.

• James A

  
  Well there were titties.

• Dann M

  
  Wild Things is a seedy, trashy piece of pulp-fiction, but in all the right ways. The story follows a high school counselor accused of rape, the ensuing scandal, and a cop who suspects that there's more going on than anyone realizes. Matt Dillon, Neve Campbell, Denise Richards,… More
  Wild Things is a seedy, trashy piece of pulp-fiction, but in all the right ways. The story follows a high school counselor accused of rape, the ensuing scandal, and a cop who suspects that there's more going on than anyone realizes. Matt Dillon, Neve Campbell, Denise Richards, and Kevin Bacon all deliver strong performances; especially Richards who has to sell some key plot twists. In classic film-noir style, the story is full of mystery, intrigue, and a few clever reversals. The suspense and plot twists are engrossing, and by the end of the film everything has been flipped or revealed to have been something different from what we were lead to believe. But, there are a few storytelling problems and some superfluous characters that drag the film down. Wild Things is a deliciously tantalizing film-noir that's irresistibly seductive.

• Steven V

  
  Wild Things is a guilty pleasure. The acting is B grade as expected and its fun to see the bad acting shine. Neve Campbell and Denise Richards are hotter in this suspense film.

• Naughtia N

  
  This movie was surprisingly good with a lot of twists and turns. This is a story about greed and manipulation, and one has to remember that people aren't always how they appear.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings