Name: Real Genius
Director: Martha Coolidge
Genre: Comedy, Science Fiction, Romance
Released: 1985-01-01
Duration: 106 min
Rating: 6.7
Cast: Val Kilmer, Gabriel Jarret, Michelle Meyrink, William Atherton, Robert Prescott

Watch the trailer

via YouTube

Runtime1h 46m

Released1985

Budget$8M

Box office$13M

DirectorMartha Coolidge

About This Movie

So, Real Genius, right? It's this smart, quirky comedy from '85 that really captures that laid-back, college atmosphere. Directed by Martha Coolidge, it’s got that fun mix of brainy humor and youthful rebellion. The chemistry between Val Kilmer's Chris Knight and Gabriel Jarret's Mitch Taylor feels so genuine, and they play off each other perfectly. The pacing flows nicely, blending the serious undertones of scientific ethics with lighthearted pranks. The practical effects, especially the laser sequences, are pretty memorable for their time. It’s a film that mixes that classic 80s vibe with some thought-provoking themes about the moral implications of innovation. Kind of a hidden gem, if you ask me.

A great example of 80s college comedies with a brainy twist. · Features practical effects that are quite impressive for the era. · Themes of friendship and ethics in science resonate throughout.