What makes it work (and simultaneously cements it as an '80s classic) is Kilmer's appealingly goofy performance -- it's a shame we don't see that side of him much these days.
Real Genius (1985)
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Reviews Counted:26
Fresh:6
Rotten:20
Average Rating:3.5/10
Runtime: 1 hr 46 mins
Genre: Comedies
Synopsis: When 15-year-old science genius Mitch Taylor (Gabe Jarrett) is recruited by the pompous Professor Hathaway (William Atherton) to be part of a special research team, he has no idea he will be... When 15-year-old science genius Mitch Taylor (Gabe Jarrett) is recruited by the pompous Professor Hathaway (William Atherton) to be part of a special research team, he has no idea he will be working on a top secret military weapon. Enrolling at Pacific Tech College, he meets his fellow whiz kid classmates, including infamous senior Chris Knight (Val Kilmer), whose intelligence and irreverent behavior are legendary; they become roommates, despite their different approaches to life. When Hathaway threatens to expel Chris for bad behavior, the two brains join forces to finish the special laser project before it is too late, in the process unveiling secrets about the project that inspire them to plot an elaborate revenge. [More]
Starring: Val Kilmer, Gabe Jarret, Michelle Meyrink, William Atherton
Starring: Val Kilmer, Gabe Jarret, Michelle Meyrink, William Atherton
Director: Martha Coolidge
Director: Martha Coolidge
Screenwriter: Neal Israel, Pat Proft, Peter Torokvei
Producer: Brian Grazer
Composer: Thomas Newman
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Reviews for Real Genius
An often overlooked and extremely underrated gem - to get acquainted with it is a moral imperative!
The film is funny, but not hilarious. It serves as a nice time capsule to the Eighties.
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