Real Genius

Year: 1985
Director: Martha Coolidge
Starring: Val Kilmer, Gabriel Jarrett, Jon Gries, William Atherton

Synopsis:

15 year old genius Mitch Taylor (Gabriel Jarrett) is the youngest student to attend Pacific Tech. Working together with his roommate, Chris Knight (Val Kilmer) he leads a team of students to develop a powerful laser for their class, taught by professor Jerry Hathaway (William Atherton). When they find out that Professor Hathaway intends to use the laser as a military weapon, Mitch and Chris, along with their friends set out to foil the professor's plans.

Review:

This is one of the best teen comedies of the 80's. Instead of sex, drinking, and/or violence, the movie focuses on the dilemma of students unwittingly creating a powerful weapon. The acting could be a bit better, but it is sufficient for this movie; after all, it's a light comedy, not a serious, heavy drama. Real Genius has always been one of my favorites, and one of my wife's favorite movies as well.

My Rating:
9/10