Bad Influence

Rob Lowe is the titular bad influence in this thriller by director Curtis Hanson, playing Alex, a seductive thief, con-man, and killer who becomes the devil on the shoulder of meek financial analyst Michael (James Spader), continually pushing the latter to become more aggressive. At first, this does wonders for Michael's love life (he hooks up with Lisa Zane at a bar) and career (he turns the tables on a rival who has been bullying him with dirty tricks at work), but it eventually spins out of control when Alex and Michael go on a crime spree of petty robberies and they brutally beat Michael's nemesis. When Michael tries to walk away, Alex frames him for murder (a sex tape plays a central role here—a timely reference to the notorious sex tape scandal that tarnished Lowe's public image). Bad Influence is a reasonably satisfying thriller, but also a minor film in the careers of Hanson, Lowe, and Spader. Extras include a new interview with screenwriter David Koepp. A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)