Bad Influence is easily one of the best films to come out of the early 90s. In fact it was shot in 1989, which is why it really feels more like a late 80s film. And who better to have in a film like that than two of the most recognizable actors from that era. Indeed James Spader and Rob Lowe were a couple "Brat Pack" members who always had the ability to break out of the "Brat Pack" era and stereotype. Not that that was a bad thing. Hell, if you're going to be stereotyped, that's not a bad one to be a part of. Those kids (more like young adults) made some pretty damn good films (Pretty In Pink, St. Elmo's Fire, Less Than Zero, and one of my personal favorites, About Last Night...). But there's no doubt that, for most of the Pack members, that era was the peak of their film careers. Spader and Lowe were part of the few who broke out. And Bad Influence was, sort of, the beginning of that breakout. And speaking of breakouts, this was the film that really put Curtis Hanson on the proverbial map. Even though he had directed other movies, none of them were very successful. And, although BI was not a box office hit, it turned a small profit and, for the most part, was critically acclaimed. The acting was good, the story was compelling, the screenplay was well written, and the directing was sure of itself. Hanson allowed his characters to develop slowly and methodically, and yet never once did the film seem boring or bogged down. No, Hanson had confidence in audiences (he doesn't dumb the film down)...confident that they'll be patient enough for the movie's second half payoff. All of these ingredients (acting, writing, etc.) come together to make for a very good film. Not a perfect film, but a very good one. If the option was available, I would give it a rating of 7.5 stars.
Side note: Although Spader is good in his role, Lowe was the highlight of Bad Influence. This is one of the best perfomences of his entire career. He's very effective playing the smart, young, and handsome antagonist. In a word, his portrayal of the diabolical and sociopathic Alex was chilling.
Side note: Although Spader is good in his role, Lowe was the highlight of Bad Influence. This is one of the best perfomences of his entire career. He's very effective playing the smart, young, and handsome antagonist. In a word, his portrayal of the diabolical and sociopathic Alex was chilling.