Real Genius (1985)

User Rating:

6.8/10   

Director:

Martha Coolidge

Writers:

Neal Israel (screenplay)
Neal Israel (story)

Release Date:

7 August 1985 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Romance | Sci-Fi

Tagline:

Who ELSE can turn lasers into light shows, aircraft into armchairs, and high-tech into hijinks?

Plot:

Teenage geniuses deal with their abilities while developing a laser.

Plot Keywords:

Laser | Weapon | Professor | Student | Military

Awards:

2 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

Val Kilmer	...	Chris Knight
Gabriel Jarret	...	Mitch Taylor (as Gabe Jarret)
Michelle Meyrink	...	Jordan Cochran
William Atherton	...	Prof. Jerry Hathaway
Jon Gries	...	Lazlo Hollyfeld (as Jonathan Gries)
Patti D'Arbanville	...	Sherry Nugil
Stacy Peralta	...	Shuttle Pilot
Daniel Ades	...	Laser Ray Victim
Andres Aybar	...	Bartender
Louis Giambalvo	...	Maj. Carnagle
Ed Lauter	...	David Decker
Charles Shull	...	Air Force General
Beau Billingslea	...	George
Charles Parks	...	Larry
Sean Frye	...	Boy at Science Fair

Runtime:

108 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Argentina:Atp | Iceland:L | Australia:PG | New Zealand:PG | Finland:K-12 | Sweden:11 | UK:15 | USA:PG | West Germany:12 | Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

Crystal Springs Ranch, Canyon Country, California, USA

Company:

Delphi III Productions

Trivia:

Credited actor Michael Backes is the husband of the director, Martha Coolidge.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: Reflected in the bathroom mirror.

Quotes:

Chris Knight: If you think that by threatening me you can get me to do what you want... Well, that's where you're right. But - and I am only saying that because I care - there's a lot of decaffeinated brands on the market that are just as tasty as the real thing.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Strongbad_email.exe: Disc Five (2007) (V)

Soundtrack:

You Took Advantage of Me

Terrific nostalgia trip down 80s memory lane - loved it!

Had very fond memories of this film as a kid in the 80s. Still holds up even today. DVD widescreen format shows off how well directed this movie is. Val Kilmer is terrific as the genius slacker hero. The whole cast gel well together, and the dialogue is very sharp and well-written (reminded me of TV show Scrubs in places). Had me laughing out loud in many places - rare for a modern version like American Pie. Lots of tasty 80s musical montages scattered throughout. Something really likable and positive about this movie, leaves you feeling really good at the end. Highly recommended - really hasn't dated at all. An enjoyable trip down 80s memory lane!