Real Genius

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1:58

Real Genius

PG

Released Aug 7, 1985

1h 46m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

77%

Tomatometer

35 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

When science whiz Mitch Taylor (Gabe Jarret) arrives at Pacific Tech as a freshman, he's paired up with genius senior Chris Knight (Val Kilmer) to work on a laser project. Mitch initially doesn't care for Knight's slacker attitude, but is eventually won over, and their friendship allows them to make new progress on the laser project. It's only when the boys learn that the government intends to use the laser as a weapon that they start to question what they've actually been working for.

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Critics Consensus

It follows college tropes, but Real Genius has an optimistic streak that puts you on Val Kilmer's side all the way.

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Paul Attanasio

Washington Post

Coolidge has gotten onto something here, and the pity is that the story she's stuck with never gets her any deeper into it.

Jan 3, 2018

Full Review

Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

The humor is relentlessly cruel, smug, and disconnected from any sense of how human beings might behave in similar situations.

May 30, 2007

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Variety

What lifts the production above the run-of-the-mill is swift direction by Martha Coolidge, who has a firm grasp over the manic material.

May 30, 2007

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Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

The mid-’80s were big on teen-oriented sci-coms (scientific comedies), so you may have overlooked this gem with a great early performance by Val Kilmer.

Rated: A

Dec 2, 2022

Full Review

Douglas Davidson

Elements of Madness

Not only does the film hold up fairly well, but the deeper aspects of the narrative become more obvious some 37 years since its release.

Sep 13, 2022

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Allison Rose

FlickDirect

Let’s face it, how can you go wrong with “Smart people on ice!” ?

Rated: 4/5

Sep 13, 2022

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Whistlerworld S

So many great lines and moments

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/09/25

Full Review

Wyatt E

A truly cool, fun, and creative 80's movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/07/25

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Finn K

Loved Val Kilmer’s performance as Chris Knight. Also probably one of the funniest movies I’ve seen, and with some epic quotes!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/02/24

Full Review

Nevin C

Possibly the most underrated 80’s teen movie. Actually, it definitely is. 5 stars.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/25/24

Full Review

Margaret C

Not the kids playing in freshly popped corn. You know it's got to be burning hot.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/05/24

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Horror fan 4

Val Kilmer is hilarious and the comedy delivers many laughs. The characters and music are great. This is a classic 80's Movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/20/24

Full Review

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Martha Coolidge

Director

Val Kilmer

Chris Knight

Gabriel Jarret

Mitch Taylor

William Atherton

Prof. Jerry Hathaway

Michelle Meyrink

Jordan

Jon Gries

Lazlo Hollyfeld

Real Genius: Official Clip - A Moral Imperative

2:07

Real Genius: Official Clip - Stop Playing With Yourself

2:09

Real Genius: Official Clip - Jordan Never Sleeps

1:51

Real Genius: Official Clip - File Under "H" for "Toy"

2:11

Real Genius: Official Clip - Lazlo's Lair

2:11

Real Genius: Official Clip - All Brain, No Penis

2:04

Real Genius: Official Clip - Jerry's House of Popcorn

2:13

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Real Genius: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

When science whiz Mitch Taylor (Gabe Jarret) arrives at Pacific Tech as a freshman, he's paired up with genius senior Chris Knight (Val Kilmer) to work on a laser project. Mitch initially doesn't care for Knight's slacker attitude, but is eventually won over, and their friendship allows them to make new progress on the laser project. It's only when the boys learn that the government intends to use the laser as a weapon that they start to question what they've actually been working for.

Director: Martha Coolidge
Producer: Brian Grazer
Screenwriter: Neal Israel, Pat Proft, Neal Israel, Pat Proft
Production Co: Delphi III Productions
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 7, 1985, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 1, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $130.8K
Runtime: 1h 46m
Sound Mix: Surround

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