On B List of Movie Reviews

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Bad Influence (1990)

Rate: 7
Viewed: 10/03, 7/05, 5/08

Badinfl
7/05: Bad Influence is both style over substance and substance over style.

It works because of bad boy Rob Lowe's captivating presence. His character is cold and manipulative. One simple look at Rob's face, and it's easy to believe he's a natural all-American guy, but his smile deceptively changes my mind. I love James Spader in this, too.

All in all, Rob Lowe gives the best performance of his career in Bad Influence.

5/08: Although Bad Influence is a stylish thriller with outstanding performances by Rob Lowe and James Spader, the novelty has now worn off.

The premise is too simple. It's hard to believe, given James Spader's character's background and social status, he has almost no friends to rely on. Yet Bad Influence is a wonderful film which explores the seedy life one is oblivious about and gets drawn into it before realizing what a mess he got himself into.

Rob Lowe, of course, was pushed to the limits by the infamous videotape scandal, bringing the best out of him, acting-wise. That's why I like to revisit the film for his performance.

All in all, Bad Influence is all Rob Lowe.