Real Genius Movie Review (1985)
A fantastic comedy about a group of gifted college students whose scientific breakthrough is secretly being turned into a weapon, Real Genius stands apart from other comedies of its time, replacing crude 80s humor with sharp wit, genuine intelligence, and a story that still feels surprisingly relevant today.
When I was a kid, Real Genius was one of my favorite movies. My brother and I watched it often, renting it from Blockbuster, and it has absolutely stood the test of time. My kids were raised on the film, and you can hear all of us telling each other that something is a “moral imperative” from time to time. There’s just no better way to say it.
Real Genius is about students at an elite university for science and engineering. Teenage Mitch, a prodigy in laser physics, has been recruited by Professor Hathaway, an instructor who is working for the CIA on the down low. Mitch moves into his room with Hathaway’s former favorite student and legend, Chris Knight, who is working on a project for a specific laser commissioned by Hathaway. Chris is now a quirky slacker who confuses Mitch, but he begins to learn that there is more to life than just studying. Mitch also meets various other students, including the hyperactive Jordan, conniving Kent, and Lazlo Hollyfeld, a former student who seems to live in his closet.
This is such a good movie. It is clever and well-paced, energetic and very funny. It is also hugely quotable with gems like, “Compared to you most people have the IQ of a carrot” and “I’m sorry. It’s just that I didn’t want you guys to think I was stuffy. You know, no fun. All brain, no penis” in addition to things being “ moral imperative.”
Val Kilmer is amazing as Chris Knight, a sarcastic and playful genius who has an underlying current of empathy. I would say that he steals the movie but for Michelle Meyrink’s Jordan. When this movie first came out, I didn’t know anybody who didn’t want to date her or be her. She was every nerd’s dream girl, and she is still up there for me today. I know my husband feels exactly the same way.
Real Genius is different from almost every other 80s comedy I can think of. Instead of raunchiness and a heavy focus on the female body (think Meatballs or Porky’s), this is a science-minded, more socially aware film. You learn right at the beginning of the movie that Hathaway is receiving funding to help the government build a weapon. Using his students to unknowingly create something that is intended to kill people, the concern is not a new one. Oppenheimer and Einstein both worried that their genius would contribute to awful things, and they did. They just didn’t do it with a man living in their closet.
There are a few things that have not aged well, including a 15-year-old being propositioned by an adult and later being intimate with a 19-year-old. The digital visuals are also not great, but they are rarely used, and everything else flows well.
If you are looking for a sharp, quick-witted, offbeat comedy that will keep you engaged and give you some laughs, Real Genius is the ticket. Most of the characters are charming and lovable in their own way, and the scientific creativity – from a time-limited ice skating rink in the hallway to free ways to get coffee from a vending machine – is consistently entertaining. The humor is smart, absurd, and just a really good time. Plus, the movie ends with a great explosion that you will have to see to believe while the song “Everybody Wants To Rule The World.” What more can you ask for?
Runtime: 105 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: PG
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes
Did I Cry? Nope
My Rating: 4/5 Stars
Available: Free on PlutoTV, to rent on Prime Video, or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
