"Real Genius" (1985)

Rating: PG

Genre: Comedy

Directed By: Martha Coolidge

Written By: Neal Israel, Pat Proft, Lawrence Konner, Peter Torokvei

Released: August 1^st, 1985 

Runtime: 106 minutes

Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Summary:

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.

Review:

I really enjoyed this film. I came across it by accident and put it on not knowing a whole lot about it.

Here we have a young Val Kilmer, pre-Top Gun and pre-Batman. He’s a surprisingly funny guy. His character was very entertaining. 

It was the music above anything in this film that really won me over. Not to mention the grand finale with Tears For Fears’ Everybody Wants To Rule The World – now that’s how you end a film! This film was released when that song (and band) was in its heyday so I guess it was only natural for it to be used, given the plot!! As one of my favourite songs and favourite band, whatever the reason it made the film for me! I think the plot was better than I was expecting, I must admit. You’ll come for that and stay for the soundtrack. So catchy and so fun. I loved it.

It doesn’t seem to be a very well-known film from this decade but I enjoyed it thoroughly! Big thumbs up. 

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