Bad Influence (1990)
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73% of critics liked it
(15 reviews) -
47% of users liked it
(4,025 ratings)
Successful LA marketing analyst Michael Boll (James Spader) seemingly has it all-except a sense of self-confidence. Enigmatic drifter Alex (Rob Lowe) enters Michael's life and immediately begins to exert a negative influence. As Michael's self-esteem zooms (aided by generous dollops of sex… More Successful LA marketing analyst Michael Boll (James Spader) seemingly has it all-except a sense of self-confidence. Enigmatic drifter Alex (Rob Lowe) enters Michael's life and immediately begins to exert a negative influence. As Michael's self-esteem zooms (aided by generous dollops of sex and drugs) he allows himself to be dragooned into a life of crime by the demonic Alex. The "doppelganger" aspects of Bad Influence, and the film's many unexpected twists and turns, echo films of Alfred Hitchcock, especially Strangers on a Train. The film's boldest stroke is to cast the likeable Lowe as the bad guy (albeit a charming one) and the often villainous Spader as the malleable milquetoast. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Curtis Hanson
- Genres
- Mystery & Suspense, Drama
- In Theaters
- Mar 9, 1990 Wide
- Studio
- Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
An overlooked classic satire/thriller
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Wesley Lovell, Apollo Guide
The production values give a sense that the movie was quickly and haphazardly put together.
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Jon Niccum, Lawrence Journal-World
Features Rob Lowe at his most creepy
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Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Lowe and Spader deliver some great work in this fairly familiar, yet still enjoyable, thriller.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Rob Lowe
as Alex
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James Spader
as Michael Boll
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Lisa Zane
as Claire
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Christian Clemenson
as Pismo Boll
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Kathleen Wilhoite
as Leslie
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Tony Maggio
as Patterson
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Marcia Cross
as Ruth Fielding
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Grand L. Bush
as Club Bartender
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Lilyan Chauvin
as Art Gallery Patrons
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John DeLancie
as Howard
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Jay Della Valle
as Chez Jay Bartender
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David Duchovny
as Club Goer
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Said Faraj
as Hamburger Clerk
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Susan Lee Hoffman
as Woman in Bar
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Brendan Hughes
as Arguing Man
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Dominique Jennings
as Woman at Tar Pit
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Jeff Kaake
as Man in Bar
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Rosalyn Landor
as Britt
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John Mahon
as Dr. Fielding
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Keith Henry McDaniel
as Club Dancer
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Joyce Meadows
as Mrs. Fielding
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Kelly Miller
as Receptionist
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Joey Miyashima
as Man at Tar Pit
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Sachi Parker
as Michael's Neighbor
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Warren Stanhope
as Banker
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Palmer Lee Todd
as Naked Woman
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John Verea
as Rito
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Sarah Elgart
as Club Dancer
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Bianca Rossini
as Bumped Woman
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Christina Cocek
as Female Executive
- Lisa Beach
