Richard L. "Rick" Rosenthal, Jr. (born June 15, 1949) is an American film instructor and director, best known for directing Bad Boys, the 1983 drama film that helped launch Sean Penn's career as well as episodes of many popular TV series (including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Smallville). His filmography includes the horror sequel Halloween II, the romantic comedy American Dreamer, and the 1987 drama film Russkies.