User reviews

If you're a boy teenager with a hard-on, go for it - enjoy the shower scene, especially.

If you're a juvenile looking for mild mental stimulation with one eye on another screen, it's passable.

If you're as old as I am then you'll quickly suss this is a regurgitated plot based on the classic film 'Body Heat' (1981) with William Hurt and Kathleen Turner. I continued watching just to see how close to the wind they sailed. And yep, I suggest you cut your losses and immerse yourself in the original.

Plus ça change ...

'Careful What You Wish For' was never going to be an Oscar worthy, genre defining, boundary leaping film however for what it is trying to be, which is an easy going, enjoyable and suspenseful piece of drama, it does very well. The storyline and plot my perhaps leave something to be desired but having said that this viewer was taken for the ride with all the twists and turns that were thrown at the audience. For the most part the acting was strong, especially considering the calibre of the actors and the relatively little previous work they have done in the industry. My main criticism would be that there were moments where the focus seemed to be more on moving the plot forward without first establishing the necessary character development to make us fully care what happens to the characters.

Overall an enjoyable flick so long as you go into it expecting the next big thing, and don't try and analyse every detail but just sit back, relax and don't take it too seriously.

I went into 'Careful What You Wish For' not really knowing what to expect. Often when thrillers cast non-actors (often musicians) in their lead roles they are trying to garner some publicity and cover up a weak script. So I was surprised to find myself genuinely enjoying it. The acting wasn't all that bad and Nick Jonas carried himself well especially. Isabel Lucas also impressed me. She has a mysteriousness about her that worked perfectly in this film. The story was patient and building, while never becoming stale or boring. It had a couple of nice twists to keep things exciting and really ticked all the boxes a thriller should.

The plot has a bit of a "seen it all before" feel about it. There's no question Hollywood is lacking originality and 'Careful What You Wish For' does nothing to expel those claims. The ending (after the twist) also came up seriously lacking, showing perhaps a touch of laziness on the writer's part. Those faults aside though it really isn't a bad little watch. Don't be put off by the casting of Jonas, give it a shot and you'll be pleased you did.

All together it's not all that bad of a flick, predictable yes, but still fun to watch to see where its all headed. I thought the talent could have been given a much better script to work with. As most mentioned previously the premise is old and tired,,,,,,some new twists could have been added to make it more interesting! Most probably watched for the eye candy, but again a flick that can be enjoyable if you don't get too serious about it and just kick back and watch.

First, let me tell you that wishing for this movie to be good will be of no avail. There's no reason in hoping for a satisfying thriller like this one seems to claim, because doing so will only lead to a massive letdown.

CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR's biggest flaw is neither its premise nor its narrative. There's a lot to negatively comment about those two areas, but they're still much more tolerable than the movie's horrible casting. None of the actors are able to serve the requirements of their roles, and while their characters hold promise of being interesting, none of the performers could actually pull them excellently, even to a tolerable level. Their dialogues and the overly familiar plot, are partly to blame, but it so difficult to jump to that part when the first thing that can be noticed is the horrible designation of the actors to roles utterly unsuited for them. There's this evil psychopath named Elliot who never really brings as much threat as he is required. Letting Isabel Lucas play a role that doesn't fit her age is perhaps the biggest mistake in the casting. Even with her capacity fully stretched, Lucas is never able to get halfway meeting all the demands of her character. Her character, Lena, is supposed to be a devious and cunning femme fatale, Isabel Lucas is plain boring. Almost the same can be said with Nick Jonas, although it's really hard to say his role's totally garbage, when almost half the time he's confused and waiting for a good line to throw. If it's any consolation, there's a lot of skin shown here, and I'm pretty sure Nick's fans as well as Isabel's will be pleased. Other than that, there's really nothing to expect.

It is really difficult to follow the narrative's flow when all that worries you is whether the characters are still going to be something interesting or not. The plot isn't new either, and it still could have been interesting, if the characters are played the way they're supposed to be. These flaws accrue to an overall feeling that is neither good nor okay, much less satisfying. Albeit cliché, CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR could have been an enjoyable experience. There is so much to mine in its premise, but its terrible casting paralyzes the movie and made itself incapable of digging such potential. The result is an overwhelming sense of dissatisfaction.

This is a sexy story with adultery, quite a bit of skin and murder...and it stars Nick Jonas! Yes, THAT Nick Jonas...of the squeaky clean Disney-fied Jonas Brothers! Talk about a major about face with his career! Only a few years ago, he and his brothers were singing to sold out stadiums of pre-teen and teen girls...now Nick is playing in a hard edged rated R film! My how times have changed, but the real question that needs answering is it any good? Well, it's not at all bad but the film isn't without a few problems here and there. The biggest one was casting. No, Jonas was actually pretty good. While he's in his early 20s, he looks younger, so playing a character who is supposed to be 16-17 years- old worked. The problem instead was his co-star, Isabel Lucas. While her acting was quite good, the role should have been played by someone who seemed much older--perhaps a cougar in her 30s. However, Lucas looks to be about Jonas' age and this makes the story a bit more difficult to believe.

It all begins at a lake in North Carolina. Having lived very, very close to where they actually filmed the movie, it appears to be around Lake Norman--a large lake north of Charlotte, North Carolina that is known for it's expensive lakefront homes. The Martin's are a nice and seemingly normal family and their son, Doug (Jonas) is anticipating going off to an excellent college soon. But in the meantime, it's summer and he and his super-annoying friend (too annoying) are mostly concerned with scoring with the local girls. However, Doug is in for a huge surprise. His new rich neighbor has a very young and very desirable wife, Lena (Lucas). Why she would soon seduced Doug is a puzzler--and Doug is just young and stupid enough not to ask this as well. Soon, he and Lena are having an affair. Not too long after this he's pulled into a conspiracy...one that might just get them sent to prison! What is the conspiracy? Well, think The Postman Always Rings Twice and you'll have some idea what's next. Fortunately, the film does have a few nice twists and turns, though none of it seemed all that surprising to me, as a gorgeous and rich woman like this MUST have some other hidden agenda...and my guess is that this is going to run through your mind as well as you watch. However, despite the plot being occasionally a bit easy to predict at times and the ending a bit too perfect, the acting and direction are very good and the film held my interest throughout.

So is it worth seeing? Yes, though it isn't a film I'd rush to see- -though some of his old fans (provided they are now old enough to see a rated R movie) might enjoy seeing this harder edged Nick Jonas. Just be forewarned that you won't see THAT much of Nick in the film...if you catch my drift.

This Jonas brother's future looks pretty good after seeing this movie. Is he handsome leading man material? Perhaps, perhaps not...but he can act and was able to more than hold his own in the lead. His biggest problem for the future is his strength in this particular film--he just looks very, very young and I had some trouble seeing him in more adult roles. Time will tell.

Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum's generically titled 'Careful What You Wish For' is a painfully average erotic thriller that's light on eroticism and even lighter on thrills. The movie wallows in the genre's tropes without escalating them beyond the familiar. The lack of originality and effort ultimately sinks the picture, but not before the reveal of an absurd twist ending that feels more ridiculous than shocking. Both Nick Jonas and Isabel Lucas are decent but the adulterous relationship that's at the heart of the film is never very credible, let alone sizzling, due to there's not much chemistry between them.

I understand the bad ratings. But it's not because of the acting, or the plot per se. It's because of the -18 year old having an affair with a rich young woman- seems not very plausible. But I enjoyed the movie a lot. It was actually very suspenseful and the twist at the end I definitely didn't expect it. That's what made me write this review and that's what it made the movie good. The twist. So if you're looking for a sexy thriller, on a lazy Sunday. This is the movie for you! It will keep you intrigued.

Doug Martin is a local boy who gets attracted to Lena, the beautiful young woman who lived next door. Problem is she is married to a much older wealthy man who was shrouded in an aura of danger. Of course, his teenage hormones got the better of Doug when Lena encouraged his interest. But then, where there is an illicit affair, a violent payback will not be far behind.

This story has been told many times before. An young guy is seduced by a sexy married woman. This type of film is usually told from the woman's point of view like the recent Jennifer Lopez film "The Boy Next Door", though the point of view is reversed in this one. It also brought back memories of "A Night in Heaven" and "Private Lessons" shown back in the early 1980s. IMDb lists down at least 40 films with this steamy plot, mostly trashy B-flicks. This just goes to show that films like this that deal with adolescent sexual temptation will always be there to appeal to the baser instincts of viewers.

Isabel Lucas seems too young to play the femme-fatale Lena. She looks great to look at, a true seductress, that is, when she is not talking. When there are lines to deliver though, her limited acting skills show. It seems she has not really improved her craft since her similarly wooden big screen debut in "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen".

Dermot Mulroney, an all-around good guy in most of his old films, plays against type as Lena's sinister husband. It was good to see Paul Sorvino as the local policeman. Too bad these two veteran actors were underused in their limited scenes.

This film is clearly a showcase for Nick Jonas to signal his foray into more mature film roles. Director Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, herself previously associated with teen-oriented films and TV shows like "Aquamarine" and "Gossip Girl", lovingly sets up her camera to capture her star Nick Jonas in his best angles, in various stages of undress for his teenage girl fans (old enough to watch R-rated films) to ogle at. To his credit, Jonas does register well on screen and he did do passably in the acting department.

Fresh from being slimed as emcee of the last Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, Nick Jonas may find it hard to escape his teen idol image at first. Mark Wahlberg has proved that that curse could be overcome. As for Jonas though, that still remains to be seen. 4/10.

After reading a lot of the other reviews on here i will stand boldly and admit i enjoyed this movie and found it entertaining as i think that was all it was trying to do and not trying to be the most original fatal attraction type dangerous liaison movie thats ever been made. Other peoples reviews seem to be comparing this movie with the 1980s and 1990s femme fatale movies that still are very popular today. But were they originals???No i don't believe they were as its all been done before as in the film Noir in the 1940s back then they especially specialised in dangerous women the likes of Barbara Stanwick and Gene Thierney etc played these very same type of women and so did Joan Crawford even earlier.So no the 1980s -2000 + movies of this genre don't have original characters or story lines. Anyway back to the film the location is beautiful and should keep you interested enough to wonder where this happy picturesque place is as it looks so chilled. I admit the film did seem to be going down the predictable path of dangerous extra marital affair ,husband gets killed mysteriously , you could see that coming a mile off but then i think you are meant to as the twist that happens in the end you don't see coming, i defie anyone who says different I liked this movie i wasn't expecting much from it as i was just flicking through Sky and kind of thought this will do and it turned out good enough viewing for me and i am picky

A pretty good entry to the romance thriller genre, although not original, it still does the job. This was a good role for Jonas to step into considering his background, and he did his part fairly well. The production is good and the screenplay does enough to hold your attention.

Writer Chris Frisina needs a breath of fresh air. This tired old story has few saving graces and Elizabeth Allen's direction make the story plod even more slowly. Nick Jonas needs to discuss his movie choices more closely with his agent: films this sad won't make a dent in his career if he intends to be taken seriously as an actor.

Briefly (the is so little story line hat a few words will suffice), Doug Martin (Nick Jonas – best when he take his shirt off) is living at the lake, bored, virginal, girl shy when an out of town couple decides to rent the house next door. The wife Lena is an anorexic appearing seductress (Isabel Lucas) married to an older wealthy investment banker Elliot (Dermot Mulroney) who abuses Lena under Doug's watchful eye. Lena seduces Doug, Doug is controlled by his hormones on this first sexual adventure and under cover the two carry on a sordid affair. Elliot is away most of the time but on one visit home he ends up dead and the manner in which the incident happened and is covered and investigated by sheriff Jack (Lee Sorvino) and insurance investigator Angie (Kandyse McClure) results in a very predictable worn out ending.

This is one of those films that did poorly at the box office – understandably – and is something to wait to watch until it is free on late night television re-runs to act as a somnolent.

Doug Martin (Nick Jonas) and his parents arrive at their summer vacation home. He's awkward around girls and there are plenty of girls around. Aggressive investment banker Elliot Harper (Dermot Mulroney) and his hot wife Lena (Isabel Lucas) show up next door. Doug falls for her allure and starts having a secret affair. She seems to be abused. He comes upon her after she killed Elliot. She claims self-defense and convinces him to cover up the killing. He fakes an accident with the body. Sheriff Big Jack (Paul Sorvino) and outsider insurance adjustor Angie Alvarez (Kandyse McClure) investigate the case. Lena is set to get a large settlement.

It's lower-level erotic thriller. The basic premise is here. I would get someone younger than Nick Jonas. His character does some pretty dumb pre-adult actions. Nick is in his early 20's and I don't buy his inexperience. It would also help to increase the age difference with Lena. The movie was probably trying for sexual chemistry. It doesn't really achieve it and I would rather have uncomfortable first experience anyways. Some of this is unlikely and Doug does some stupid stuff. In the end, I like this general premise. This is just good enough for a pass.

Careful What You Wish For is a good case study in the failings inherent in the Hollywood star system. The film is essentially star vehicle that is produced well but which fails to deliver anything substantial due to the lackluster performances of its leading actors around whom the film has been structured.

Nick Jonas plays Doug Martin, an adolescent without personality who falls for the gorgeous Lena Harper (Isabel Lucas), a married woman with a dark and devious plan to make big bucks fast. As a leading lady, Lucas does nothing more than showing us her very skinny body as she seduces her way into Jonas' very silly heart.

The film, directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosen, is not essentially a bad product. Rosen's direction is competent, the cinematography is pretty, editing is tight, the script holds up alright, and the production itself is of a good quality. There is a solid story arch that held my interest till the end. And it is a nice star vehicle for Lucas and Jonas. But the supposed stars have a very limited acting ability, even at the hands of a director who has a good grasp of her craft born from a long and stable career in television.

Unfortunately, all the potential of this film is lost through a leading couple who never quite arrive as the stars in the vehicle. Unless you are interested in learning from the mistakes made by Lucas and Jonas, you can safely give it a miss.

Direction: 6||Acting: 2||Cinematography: 7||Concept and delivery: 4|

ultra lame dialogue, wholly implausible but predictable plot & characters combined with anorexic female leads ... the film manages to be neither suspenseful nor funny and lacks any potential to be even slightly charming. the attempts at eroticism fail utterly due to the bland visuals - and the participants remain seriously overdressed for the occasions(they probably thought it inadvisable to show more than a glimpse of the female's emaciated shoulders and legs, let alone much else) - that set up leaves not much for actors to act in any meaningful sort of way, which they really do splendidly; this film gives bad story telling as well as bad film making a bad name ...

One user sad she is to young, but she is '85 and he is '92, for me that is not the problem! And he sad that acting is bad?! No it is not, it is normal nothing superb or something but not bad at all!

Overall there is place were she/he could act better, but acting is 7/10. Story line is around 8.5/10, it can be better, on this or that way, but overall, there is some mystery, some thriller, some drama and there is no a lot of sex (what you may expect) but that is good thing!

Only bad thing is that movie is similar to the other movies (i can't remember name, but there is few of)...

I expect part 2 or something :D

This thriller stars Isabel Lucas, Nick Jonas, Dermot Mulroney, Paul Sorvino and Kandyse McClure. In short, this is another "someone's a murderer" movie + a Jonas brother.

I'm not a Jonas brother fan, but Nick did surprise me, he wasn't great but he wasn't as awful as I expected him to be. That being said, it's a good thing that Dermot Mulroney wasn't present in most of the movie because the six time award- winning actor might have out shined his co-star Nick

Isabel Lucas, although stunning, looks a little strange and unnatural with Nick. Regardless of this, she does have the voice, emotionless expression and body language of a classic James Bond girl in the beginning. This works for her as it suits the character she portrays but also might make it look like she cannot act. It would be interesting to see her in something else.

I should also mention that the plot is unfortunately un-original and somewhat predictable through half the movie. The acting of certain co-stars such as Kandyse McClure also leaves much to be desired. Maybe that's why this site and other sites, don't even mention her. That said if you're a Jonas fan you'll like this.

If I could give it zero I would. I stuck with it but skipped a lot of scenes b/c they clearly weren't going to be interesting. Nick was OK but really just played the part of Nick Jonas being Nick Jonas. Isabel was appalling. But I know her from her stint on Aussie TV and she was never gonna be good. The director chose her coz she's pretty I guess but she has no acting skills and her portrayal of the "alluring" neighbour was childish and awkward at best. The story itself is pretty pathetic too other than the bits they borrowed from elsewhere. But it's cobbled together into a boys own flick that only the most dedicated Nick Jonas or Isabel Lucas fans are going to get much out of. No tension or thrills or suspense. Just a teenage boys fantasy. Might as well go watch a frat boys sexy comedy romp or something. At least it will have some kind of humour in it. Seriously don't waste your time.

Very predictable and mindless entertainment really. Eye candy galore and the scenery is lovely. But goodness - the lead characters in dire need of acting lessons. Nothing more than a LIfetime movie.

Really good movie! I'm not sure why this movie isn't more popular than what it is.