1. It may not be the most realistic portrayal of drug addiction ever produced, but it's certainly worth seeing - if for nothing else than Downey's superlative performance.
2. A startling tale of alienation and self-destruction. Put Downey on the map, at least for a while.
3. The quality of dislocation in Marek Kanievska's Less Than Zero is startling and sinister.
4. Jami Gertz was, is, and ever shall be one of the most egregious actresses in the history of film.
5. a bit of a mess
6. The anti-teen film that really kicks ass
7. Meant to be a statement against the amoral lifestyle of super-rich youth, it misses the mark by a mile.
8. Loosely based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis, Less Than Zero refuses to take the risks necessary to capture the keen social observation of the book.
9. Ed Lachman's cinematography is letter perfect as always in its handling of light and color (assisted here by Barbara Ling's flashy production design), but it's a pity to see it wasted on such claptrap.
10. The only saving grace of this exercise in futility is the suitably louche performance by Spader as drug-dealer Rip.
Based on these individual reviews, what is the critic consensus?
A couple of standout performances -- notably Robert Downey, Jr. and James Spader -- and a killer soundtrack can't quite elevate a somewhat superficial adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' story of drugged-out LA rich kids.