Bad Influence (1990)

There's nothing more enticing than evil...especially when it's hiding behind a killer smile and draped in designer suits. Rob Lowe ("The West Wing") and James Spader (sex, lies and videotape) star in this "slyly seductive and thoroughly enjoyable thriller" (The Wall Street Journal) from director Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential) and writer David Koepp (Spider-Man). Financial analyst Michael Boll (Spader) seems to have everything: brains, money, a socially connected fiancée and a blindingly bright future. Then he meets Alex (Lowe), an impeccably dressed drifter with fatal charm and an insatiable appetite for wine, women and danger. Alex befriends Michael and takes him for a walk on the wild sidebut Michael soon discovers that there's a terrible priceto pay for life in the fast lane, because hanging out with Alex...can be murder!

A very dark and dangerous Rob Lowe!

Easily Rob Lowe's best on-screen performance as the expert con-man who keeps a veneer of civility over an extremely sadistic and violent nature.
And the always intriguing James Spader, who gives a sublime performance as the unsuspecting victim to Lowe's sociopathic character, that is well worth the watch. Also an appearance by a young Marcia Cross who plays the sheltered and wealthy daddy's girl and is Spader's fiance...at least until Lowe comes onto the scene. This movie moves at a fast paced rhythm, and I higly suggest giving it a try. July 24, 2007

Lowe's best film performance...

Saw this movie when it was originally released- shortly after the sex tape weirdness of the '88 Democratic convention; it was serenely ironic that at the precipice of career suicide by Lowe, he would in this film provide his best performance. Although recent work in West Wing & Brothers & Sisters has helped him reclaim a bit of appreciation, this character still resonates as a well-played, against type evildoer. A tight script, another high quality performance by Spader and an ecellent soundtrack all add to the guilty pleasure. May 30, 2007

Chaos

...almost got lost in the review. Rob Lowe is young, cunning.
James Spader, youthful and with generosity-but naiive!!!
Spader's "stumbling block" becomes his tumbling "block" as Rob Lowe lets loose with his own brand of mischief, style and demeanor. This is the devil at ease. The duo take the lost way to hell. Watch who ya meet...I guess you never know. April 26, 2007

Underrated, creepy and edge of your seat film.

I had never heard of this film before, or maybe I did in passing but never paid any attention to it. I recently picked it up at a video store and have already watched it twice. Lowe is definitely convincing in his role as a bad guy, and him and Spader definitely complement each other in this movie, even though they are opposing forces. A definite must see! August 17, 2006

"Elvis has left the building!"

This movie really creeped me out the first time I watched it, which was when i was about ten years old. now that i am thirteen, it doesn't seem that bad, but it still gives you a case of the creeps. One of the scariest, worst situations you could possibly be in is being framed for murder. you can't go to the police because there's no evidence that points to someone else and the person would probably kill you and your family/friends.
as for this movie, the actors were womderful! Rob Lowe was creepy, and James Spader was very convincing as a boring geek. I would easily reccommend this movie to anyone who loves a good thrill!!! ; ) March 22, 2006

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