"Bad Influence", directed by Curtis Hanson, prior to his much better, "L.A. Confidential", is a film that leaves the viewer with a feeling of deja vu. The screen play by David Koepp is mildly engrossing. "Bad Influence" is predictable, as we know how it will end.
The evil character of Alex is always a step ahead of the action; Alex is a cliché. As with other characters in thrillers, these bad guys have a way to do everything perfectly. In contrast, his nerdy opponent, Michael, is a man that will be humiliated, beaten by Alex at any opportunity, because he doesn't have the guts to stand to the bullies in their lives. Michael sees in Alex the person he would like to be.
James Spader is a competent actor; he is perfectly cast as Michael, the market analyst with too much ambition. There seems to be a homoerotic underplay between Michael and the handsome Alex. After all, Michael, goes along for the joy ride because he doesn't have a life. Alex, as played by Rob Lowe, has some good moments, but in the end, he doesn't show anything new to make this story more exciting.
The film is still interesting because of Curtis Hanson's direction as he take us to a ride through a seamy side of L.A. many of us don't know it existed.
The evil character of Alex is always a step ahead of the action; Alex is a cliché. As with other characters in thrillers, these bad guys have a way to do everything perfectly. In contrast, his nerdy opponent, Michael, is a man that will be humiliated, beaten by Alex at any opportunity, because he doesn't have the guts to stand to the bullies in their lives. Michael sees in Alex the person he would like to be.
James Spader is a competent actor; he is perfectly cast as Michael, the market analyst with too much ambition. There seems to be a homoerotic underplay between Michael and the handsome Alex. After all, Michael, goes along for the joy ride because he doesn't have a life. Alex, as played by Rob Lowe, has some good moments, but in the end, he doesn't show anything new to make this story more exciting.
The film is still interesting because of Curtis Hanson's direction as he take us to a ride through a seamy side of L.A. many of us don't know it existed.