Spikeopath Bad Influence is directed by Curtis Hanson and written by David Koepp. It stars Rob Lowe, James Spader, Lisa Zane and Christian Clemenson. Music is by Trevor Jones and cinematography by Robert Elswit.Michael Boll (Spader) is the ultimate milquetoast. Alex (Lowe) is something altogether different. When Alex introduces himself into Michael's life, Michael finds from within a boldness he didn't know existed. But Alex's life lessons may just come at a cost...Tell me what you want more than anything else in the world.The 90s began in a neo-norish haze for one time brat-packers Spader and Lowe. For Spader it was another chance to show, after 1989's Sex, Lies and Videotape, that he could do drama very well. For Lowe it was a case of dusting off his off screen misdemeanours to self mockingly portray the bad boy playing the bad boy. With future L.A. Confidential helmer Hanson in the chair overseeing things, Bad Influence rounded out as a sneaky bit of grit. It didn't make any great waves back on release, but it's a film that holds up surprisingly well these days, particularly as an 80s noir snapshot.Thematically picture asks us if everyone has the devil inside them if prompted or manipulated from outside sources? Alex's motives are intentionally left sketchy, we are in no doubt from the opening credits that he's untrustworthy, yet who he is or what he's really about are questions left hanging in the air. A good looking charmer without doubt, and thanks to Spader's uber wimp beginnings, we find ourselves urging Alex on as he slots a spine into Michael's back. There's a decidedly nasty edge to the Koepp screenplay that lets the actors excel in their respective transformations, and with the mood set at simmer, story unfolds and lets the Doppleganger motif kick in. From here on in it's now a question for the viewers of how it's going to resolve itself?Call me Mick.Hanson paints it in sweaty metallic strokes, interiors of Michael's condo portray yuppie claustrophobia, exteriors of nighttime L.A. are classic noir; where the bright lights of the city are eyes observing Michael's transformation and the salty whiff of the pier and the sea hover over the telling periods of dialogue. True enough to say that Bad Influence, and its director, owe a huge debt to past masters, notably something like Strangers on a Train, but the update works very well, particularly in the context of maintaining a continued sense of tension. The humour that lives and breathes in the picture is nicely placed, adding a bit of salt to an already spicy broth, and there's even the delicate hint of an old noir favourite, potential man crush.The build up isn't matched by the pay off, but even then there's enough of a bite to warrant respect. Far better than some internet ratings suggest it is, and certainly undervalued in the neo-noir pantheon, Bad Influence is well worth reevaluating in this new age of cinema. 7.5/10

bkoganbing Handsome and charismatic, Rob Lowe is also one amoral sociopath who moves into the life of yuppie James Spader and leads him into things he never thought he'd be involved in. Lowe is truly one Bad Influence.This is quite a bit younger James Spader we see in this film, not the confident attorney who moved in and took over The Practice with Denny Crane. Spader is a stock trader, an eager young man looking for promotion in his company that's run by John DeLancie (can you imagine having Q for a boss). He and Tony Maggio are up for the same promotion, but Maggio is unscrupulous in his pursuit of it.One night when a jealous boyfriend threatens to clean Spader's clock after he tries to make some clumsy moves on his girl friend, Spader gets saved by Rob Lowe. Later on he meets Lowe and the two of them strike up a curious relationship. Spader needs lessons in unscrupulous and Lowe's a good teacher.It's all fun and games at first even when they pull a convenience store robbery, but it gets real serious when Spader has second thoughts and tries to break from Lowe. The film gets real intense.This is one of Rob Lowe's best acted films. In character Lowe is very similar to Tyrone Power's Stan Carlisle from Nightmare Alley. In fact Lowe is the closest thing we've seen to a reincarnation on the screen of Power when he does his hero/heel thing. Rob's never played the straight out hero though the way Power did also. But he's sure got the bad aspect of Power's portfolio down.Lowe dominates Bad Influence completely, but it's that kind of part. The rest of the cast performs ably and Curtis Hanson's direction to his cast is first rate. For Rob Lowe's fans not to be missed.

hnt_dnl BAD INFLUENCE (1990) is an original, dark, disturbing tale starring of couple of very good actors, Rob Lowe and James Spader. Lowe and Spader, although both had ties or were directly affiliated (in Lowe's case) with the "Brat Pack" gang, had not done a film together before this one. And this one's a keeper! I think this is the best work that either actor had done up to this point. For me, this is the performance that showed that Rob Lowe could act. It really is his first challenging role. He does a good job of balancing charm, sex appeal, and menace throughout. Lowe's first "bad guy" role. I also think this is a groundbreaking film for Spader as well. Even though he had tackled more challenging roles than Lowe in the 80s, this is really the first "good guy" role that Spader had played. The against-type casting works to great effect as I don't think the film would have been as nearly effective had their roles been reversed.Spader is a nerdy, shy, underconfident stock broker named Michael, who is engaged to an upper class girl (Marcia Cross of "Desperate Housewives" fame). Life is good, simple, but very mundane and boring for Michael. In comes Alex (Lowe's character) who instills Michael with self-confidence, courage, and even sex appeal, molding him into his own image to a degree.The two men's "accidental" meeting early in the film at a seaside bar is a great setup for the rest of the film as it underscores the essence of each character. I also felt this scene was very realistic in the dialogue, character reactions, and outcome.Alex seems to be a drifter who doesn't stay in one place very long. In return for Michael putting him up for a while, Alex "mentors" Michael on being more assertive, confident, and uninhibited. First, Alex sets Michael up so that his fiancée dumps him. They end up hanging out at bars and ecstasy parties, then during one night, they meet Claire (played by the alluring Lisa Zane). A triangle forms as Alex compels Claire to sleep with Michael while he himself has designs on her and she seems to prefer his dangerous sex appeal, but still is drawn to Michael's underlying sweet innocence. But one night things go a bit too far as Alex takes Michael along with him goes on a mini crime spree, robbing a liquor store, and beating up Michael's jerkish colleague (but Michael doesn't remember). This is when Michael dumps Alex and tells him to get out of his life. Then things get deadly! BAD INFLUENCE was directed by Curtis Hanson (who gained international fame years later with LA CONFIDENTIAL) and his stylish touches and film noir mood and tone are evident throughout. This film was a sign that Hanson was going to become a major player in Hollywood. Lowe is very good at abandoning his "Brat Pack" persona and giving a real performance. He instills Alex with charm, sex appeal, and a sense of danger. Spader is equally excellent playing a genuine nice guy and conveys real vulnerability that he had never really displayed before this film. Highly recommended!

Lucien Lessard An smart Financial Analyst but socially shy and inept Michael Boll (James Spader) seems to be living the good life. But he feels, there's something missing in his life... a sense of danger. But when Micheal meets Alex (Rob Lowe), a mysteriously drifter but intriguing seemingly clever guy. Alex tells Micheal, he should be open more to his life and taking responsibility. At first... Micheal is having a great time with his new found friend. But Alex isn't what he seems to be and especially when Alex is slowly making Micheal's life is a living hell.Directed by Oscar-Winner:Curtis Hanson (8 Mile, L.A. Confidential, Wonder Boys) made an fascinating, something lurid thriller that keeps on being entertaining. Lowe is actually pretty good in the lead and Spader is excellent as usual. This smart thriller has some suspenseful moments and a few great moments of black comedy. But sometimes... the script by David Koepp (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Death Becomes Her, Carlito's Way) goes over the line and it gets to be really silly at times. But still, the feature was made before Hanson's breakthrough feature "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle" and Hanson handles the suspense like a pro.DVD has an sharp anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) transfer (Also in Pan & Scan) and an good Dolby Surround 2.0 Surround Sound. DVD's only extra feature is the original theatrical trailer. Sometimes i wonder if "Bad Influence" would be a better thriller... if Lowe and Spader switched roles. But still, it offers better suspense what movies have to offer these days. It's worth a look. Plenty of familiar faces appears in small supporting roles and cameos. (*** ½/*****).