Review of Bad Influence (1990) by James S — 09 Sep 2010

In Scream, Skeet Ulrich's character hypothesised that it was scarier if a psycho never had a motive for their evil doings. There is certainly evidence to support this but in Bad Influence's case, it's not scarier....it just renders the film rather pointless.

James Spader is a has it all so why am I not happy yuppie type who is saved from...something...by mysterious stranger Rob Lowe only to find out that Rob isn't his new BFF but actually a bit of a nutter hell bent on turning his entire life upside down via a combination of sex, lies and videotape for.......well, we're not really sure what for as Rob never reveals his motives. Presumably he was just a bit bored with leaving semi-naked women in bed in softly blue lit rooms.

Lowe's actions and Spader's reactions to them are completely unrealistic and the two have little chemistry on screen. Spader is not a remotely sympathetic character so it makes it hard to care that Rob is trying to ruin his life. Like all early 90s sleazy thrillers, it's more obsessed with shots of boobs and drinking and drugs to worry about little things such as character and story. Adding to the films woes is that fact that it is awfully shot and lighted making it unpleasant to even look at.

A single scene in which Lowe mocks Spader via videotape saves this movie from a one star rating. The scene is actually very well done and is the only time in the film that Lowe looks convincing as a nutcase.

The finale is just as much of a let down as the previous 90 minutes and leaves the film on a very down note and in typical the bad guy is gone type fashion. You're pretty much past caring by then though and probably just want to go to bed.