BAD INFLUENCE (1990)

IMDB Rating - 6.0
Rotten Tomatoes rating - 69%

Bad Influence was released well into the aftermath of the Rob Lowe sex tape scandal. The film was an ironic choice for Lowe, as its story involves a sex tape. The psychological thriller was directed by Curtis Hanson (LA Confidential, 8 Mile), written by David Koepp (Carlito's Way, Death Becomes Her) and also stars James Spader, Lisa Zane, and Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross.

LESS THAN ZERO (1987)

Based on the novel by Brett Easton Ellis (American Psycho/Rules of Attraction), Less Than Zero is one of my favorite movies from the 80's. Rich Beverly Hills kids getting lost in a dark world of drugs, parties, and sex, the movie was intended to be an anti-drug film and actually had very little in common with the storyline of the book. Robert Downey Jr. gives one of his greatest performances in what was a largely overlooked film at the time. Sure, the movie has a lot of cheesy moments, but I love the overall style of the film, as well as the soundtrack, which features The Bangles' "Hazy Shade of Winter" (music video below) and tracks by Joan Jett, Poison, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Slayer and Roy Orbison. The pic also features fleeting cameos by Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers and an uncredited (and unknown at the time) Brad Pitt.

IMDB rating - 5.9