The Manhattan Project

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The Manhattan Project

PG-13

Released Jun 13, 1986

1h 57m

Mystery & Thriller

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50%

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18 Reviews

46%

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5,000+ Ratings

Ingenious adolescent Paul Stephens (Christopher Collet) learns about the grim prospects of nuclear aftermath when his mom becomes romantically involved with government scientist John Mathewson (John Lithgow), who is currently experimenting with the ingredients for atomic warfare. Shaken by what he sees, Paul decides to nab the destructive materials and make a small-scale display of their horrible powers at the New York Science Fair, but the Secret Service isn't pleased with his actions.

Nell Minow

Movie Mom

Surprisingly biting film with great performances by Cynthia Nixon and John Lithgow

Rated: 4/5

Aug 15, 2002

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

A clever, funny and very skillful thriller about how the kid builds his own atomic bomb.

Rated: 4/4

Jan 1, 2000

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Richard Freedman

Newhouse News Service

Marshall Brickman's The Manhattan Project is also about the development of a nuclear device, but it's a lot of fun and perhaps the most exciting movie of the summer season so far.

Nov 15, 2019

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David Cornelius

DVDTalk.com

The Manhattan Project remains a clever time capsule of 80s nuclear commentary and a timeless, endlessly watchable thriller.

Rated: 4.5/5

Jul 12, 2007

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Jake Euker

F5 (Wichita, KS)

Rated: 3/5

Jan 19, 2007

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Mark R. Leeper

rec.arts.movies.reviews

Rated: 1/5

Jul 19, 2005

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Nick H

This movie makes no sense but is a ton of fun. Great background noise, and nothing to be taken too seriously. I think I was shown this in a high school science class once, and that seems really wild looking back on it, LOL. Great cast.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/26/25

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Francis V

This is an excellent movie with an interesting plot. The acting is great and attention to details are very convincing.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/23/25

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Michael B

Not bad lite entertainment now that ai is here in 2025 we are in trouble if kids like this are around lol

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

06/13/25

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James R

I've seen mostly negative reviews in this film, which I personally disagree with but respect everyone elses opinions. Maybe it's just my large interest in nuclear science, but I normally like these kinds of movies, like Wargames and stuff like that. I would suggest you go watch it to form your own opinion on it, but I still think it was entertaining, it makes you think a little, and yes, I know it's a silly premise, but it's still great in my eyes. I still think you should go watch it at least once.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/19/25

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Rex J

I cannot recommend this to anyone. The arrogance of the main character and the outright nonsensical ending left me hating this movie so much. I dont care who you are, you face repercussions if you steal nuclear material, which is what he did and he didn't face anything, just walks away!!!!!!!! Reality would have extremely different outcomes. I'm not suprised the director never made another movie, this is lefty activist claptrap nonsense at its zenith.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

01/07/25

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Michael B

An absolutely ridiculous premise. Could have been written by a 10 year old. I wish I could sue to get the two hours of my life back

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

06/19/24

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Marshall Brickman

Director

John Lithgow

John Mathewson

Christopher Collet

Paul Stephens

Cynthia Nixon

Jenny Anderman

Jill Eikenberry

Elizabeth Stephens

John Mahoney

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Synopsis

Ingenious adolescent Paul Stephens (Christopher Collet) learns about the grim prospects of nuclear aftermath when his mom becomes romantically involved with government scientist John Mathewson (John Lithgow), who is currently experimenting with the ingredients for atomic warfare. Shaken by what he sees, Paul decides to nab the destructive materials and make a small-scale display of their horrible powers at the New York Science Fair, but the Secret Service isn't pleased with his actions.

Director: Marshall Brickman
Producer: Marshall Brickman, Jennifer Ogden
Screenwriter: Thomas Baum, Marshall Brickman
Production Co: Gladden Entertainment
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 13, 1986, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 30, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $3.8M
Runtime: 1h 57m
Sound Mix: Surround

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