Artivels Undescribable Perfection

GamerTab That was an excellent one.

Smartorhypo Highly Overrated But Still Good

Jenni Devyn Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

Mr-Fusion I think the real surprise of "Bad Influence" is that James Spader's not the bad guy. He's actually the good one, or this movies version of one anyway. The real sleaze is the fresh-faced Rob Lowe, going full-psycho.This movie pulls you in because Spader's a weakling, whose fortunes really take a positive turn after a chance encounter with the supportive Lowe. It's nice to see someone take charge and make things happen in their life; but that only lasts so long before the relationship sours and things get really bad. But there's also the moral quandary involved (Spade can't go to the police because hands aren't exactly clean) and that keeps things from settling into a tired stalker/prey groove.A good script and stylish direction really make this stand out as a noirish thriller. The two leads (on paper) seem better suited to the opposite roles, but they pull it off. And even though the ending has its surprises, it still stays true to the story.The influence might be bad, but the movie isn't.

punishmentpark This really is a nice slow burner, with plot elements reminding me of 'Fight club', 'The usual suspects' and 'American psycho', while it mostly looked like the latter (even if that one was mostly filmed in Canada, no less). David Koepp has written some interesting stuff over the years, and this one is pretty good. Not all of it is always credible, but if you're willing to go along for the sensational, nihilistic ride that it essentially is, you may just have a ball.James Spader and Rob Lowe play their parts with enough conviction, but let's not forget about Christian "I guess we can close the file on that one(!)" Clemens and the beautiful Lisa Zane. The story is perhaps a little far-fetched, but it fits right in with a lot of those over the top thrillers that were there aplenty in those dear '90s. 'Neo-noir', I read somewhere, and that it is in a way, and with lots of nice twists and turns and psychological baggage to keep you on the edge of your seat.8 out of 10.

wes-connors "Financial analyst Michael Boll (James Spader) seems to have everything: brains, money, a socially connected fiancée, and a blindingly bright future. Then he meets Alex (Rob Lowe), an impeccably dressed drifter with a fatal charm and an insatiable appetite for wine, women… and danger. Alex befriends Michael and takes him for a walk on the wild side - but Michael soon discovers that there's a terrible price to pay for life in the fast lane, because hanging out with Alex can be murder…" according to the film's official synopsis. "Don't touch that dial!" Christian Clemenson's character is almost a "Pepto-Bismol" anagram.Director Curtis Hanson's "Bad Influence" has been compared to Alfred Hitchcock's "Strangers on a Train" (1951). The plot's comparison to Hitchcock's classic is justifiable, but Mr. Hanson makes "Bad Influence" look much more like "Psycho" (1960). And, this story is clearly Faustian; "Alex" isn't merely psychopathic, he's evil incarnate. The deal Mr. Spader makes with "the Devil" involves help in beating Tony Maggio (as Patterson) out of a promotion at work, and weaseling out of a marriage with Marcia Cross (as Ruth). "Come on down!" The only way "Mick" can defeat "Alex" is to send him plummeting back into the depths of Hell.It's always nice, when watching old movies, to stumble upon an undiscovered jewel, or even a lost masterpiece. "Bad Influence" is one of those films. The film had a relatively unheralded reception, when originally released; and, it received zero nominations from any of the major film awards groups. One of the problems may have been the media "scandal" erupting over the nearly simultaneous uncovering of a "sex tape" featuring Mr. Lowe. Presently, this sort of "publicity" would be planned to help the film, which includes Lowe's character in a similar situation; but, it was no publicity stunt.And, if you see Lowe with Spader in a bunny mask, that is a gun in his pocket.This was before celebrity Paris Hilton and FOX showed how to use the "celebrity sex tape" to their advantage - making Ms. Hilton and the network's "The Simple Life" hits. Lowe's appearance in a "Snow White" opening at the previous year's "Academy Awards", and his "teen idol" backlash didn't help. But, Lowe is terrific in "Bad Influence"; it should have established him as an "A-list" film actor. Ironically, co-star Spader had just received the same kind of career break, in the recent "sex, lies, and videotape" (1989). Ah, those were the camcorder days… "Does anybody want an espresso?" With perfect performances, and a dazzling display of light and shadows, "Bad Influence" should have received six "Academy Award" nominations, including one for "Best Picture"; it is absolutely one of the best-looking films of its year, and surfaces as one of the more stylish looks at MTV generation. Those most responsible, director Hanson and cinematographer Robert Elswit, received "Oscars" for work on subsequent films. Writer David Koepp's screenplay is also excellent; to appreciate his story, and understand the L.A. scene depicted in "Bad Influence", simply use the code words given, to enter the film: "Dominant Athletic Female", "Gay White Male", "Fun-Loving Couple".********** Bad Influence (3/9/90) Curtis Hanson ~ Rob Lowe, James Spader, Christian Clemenson, Lisa Zane

ccthemovieman-1 "Bad Influeince:" Yup, that's a good title for one of the main characters in this movie: "Alex," played by Rob Lowe. His grin alone is pure evil! In fact, Lowe's character is one of the lowest I've encountered in these modern-day thrillers. This also could be called a modern "noir," because it has a lot of that genre's qualities. This also is different from the normal cops-vs.- crooks film.As bad as "Alex" was, I couldn't root for the other main character, either: "Michael Boll" (James Spader). Spader is one of these actors that seems to play very snotty, unlikeable people. Maybe he's just good at play annoying characters.An odd character, and one that added to this film, was the guy (Christian Clemenson) who played Spader's older, stoned-out brother "Pismo." What a loser.....but an interesting person.I really was intrigued by this film the first time I saw it but less so in the next two viewings, finally trading this in for something else. But for one viewing, it's recommended for crime fans, or people who just plain like evil characters.