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Real Genius (1985)

 -  Comedy | Romance | Sci-Fi  -  7 August 1985 (USA)
6.8
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Ratings: 6.8/10 from 17,214 users  
Reviews: 121 user | 42 critic

Teenage geniuses deal with their abilities while developing a laser.

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Writers:

(screenplay), (story), 3 more credits »
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Title: Real Genius (1985)

Real Genius (1985) on IMDb 6.8/10

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2 wins & 2 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
Mitch Taylor (as Gabe Jarret)
...
Jordan
...
...
Lazlo Hollyfeld (as Jonathan Gries)
...
Sherry Nugil
...
Shuttle Pilot
Daniel Ades ...
Laser Ray Victim
Andres Aybar ...
Bartender
Louis Giambalvo ...
Maj. Carnagle
...
David Decker
Charles Shull ...
Air Force General
...
George
Charles Parks ...
Larry
...
Boy at Science Fair
Edit

Storyline

Mitch is one of the youngest students ever accepted to a university known for its programs for geniuses. He's partnered up with his roommate, science club legend Chris Knight, on a project to develop a high-powered laser. Together with their hyper-kinetic friends, they employ their intellects in the pursuit of bigger blasts, practical jokes, and a deeper understanding of what real genius is. When their final, functional laser is stolen by their teacher for a military weapon, they decide to get even. Written by Lordship <lordship@juno.com>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

laser | weapon | genius | military | student | See more »

Taglines:

It's yet another in a long series of diversions in an attempt to avoid responsibility. See more »

Genres:

Comedy | Romance | Sci-Fi

Certificate:

PG | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

7 August 1985 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Academia de genios  »

Box Office

Gross:

$13,000,000 (USA)
 »

Company Credits

Production Co:

 »
Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

(Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

A scene where Chris floats outside his classroom suspended in a lounge chair attached to several balloons appeared in the preview version but not the release version. See more »

Goofs

When Hathaway first goes into the laser lab and exchanges conversation with Kent and the others, you can see the shadow of the overhead mic swinging back and forth. The shadow appears faintly on the far wall. See more »

Quotes

Professor Hathaway: Mitch, will you miss your friends?
Mitch: Well, no. I think I intimidate other kids.
Professor Hathaway: Good boy.
See more »

Connections

References The Wizard of Oz (1939) See more »

Soundtracks

"The Walls Come Down"
Performed by The Call
Courtesy of Polygram Records, Inc.
See more »

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User Reviews

Bright examination of youth and intelligence
8 January 1999 | by (Fargo, North Dakota) – See all my reviews

It is unfortunate that Val Kilmer so quickly "graduated" from the realm of youth oriented roles, as his work in Real Genius is by far the most enjoyable to watch. Kilmer proves adept at excellent comic timing, and he is given a motherlode of razor-sharp one-liners to fire off in every scene (I speculate that writer Pat Proft enjoyed watching The Marx Brothers in his formative years). Chief drawback of this film is the hammy, sneering villain played by Atherton -- as the old saying goes, just give him a mustache to twirl. But if you happened to see the film as a young person, the above-mentioned won't get in the way of your fond memories. I sure know that every time I see that slow-motion romp through the popcorn and hear Tears for Fears' "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," ramp up on the soundtrack, my cynicism just melts away.


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