Wild Things Movie Review 1998

Titillating pulp friction can't decide between modern noir and swampy spoof. Miami guidance counselor and high school heartthrob fodder Sam Lombardo (Dillon) lectures on sex crimes and gets accused of rape by two school girls: snotty rich Kelly (Richards) and trailer trash Suzie (Campbell). The seemingly upright investigator (Bacon) tries to figure out who's telling the truth. Murray pops up doing his best Bill Murray, but his hilarious presence doesn't play next to the oh-so-serious Dillon and gang. Even more out of place is Wagner's wooden cameo as Kelly's lawyer. Speaking of wooden, the normally fine Russell is reduced to similar stereotype as Kelly's vampy, conniving mother. Endless exercise in audience manipulation has plot twists and turns relentlessly continue through the credits for no apparent reason.

Distribution

Sony Pictures Home Video, Sony Pictures Plz., 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232, Phone: (310)244-7306, Fax: (310)280-2485, URL: http://www.spe.sony.com, Remarks: Formerly Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 108 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Florida, Contemporary Noir, Mystery & Suspense, Police Detectives, American South, Sex & Sexuality, Frame-Ups, Scams, Stings & Cons, Law & Lawyers, Romantic Triangles, Miami, Errant Educators, Doublecross!

Screenplay

Steven Peters

Cast

Matt Dillon, Neve Campbell, Kevin Bacon, Denise Richards, Theresa Russell, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Bill Murray, Robert Wagner, Carrie Snodgress, Jeff(rey) Perry, Marc Macaulay

Cinematography

Jeffrey L. Kimball

Director

John McNaughton

Music

George S. Clinton

Producer

Columbia Pictures

Awards

L.A. Film Critics 1998: Support. Actor (Murray).