Real Genius (DVD, 2002)

I'm not sure if this film launched Val Kilmer's career, but he's really great in it.

It's a story about Mitch a 15 year old genius who goes off to college and meets Chris Knight, one of the most intelligent people in the country and alternately one of the wackiest students at Pacific Tech. The film has a nice plot, but what you'll love it for is the funny and witty lines that Chris Knight throws at you. I specifically remember one that he told Mitch when he just told Chris that he had this weird dream, then Chris asked: "Was it a dream where you see yourself standing in sort of sun-god robes on a pyramid with a thousand naked women screaming and throwing little pickles at you? ". Also ones with him and Professor Hathaway are funny too:

Professor Hathaway: When you first started at Pacific Tech you were well on your way to becoming another Einstein and then... what happened?
Chris Knight: I got a haircut?

or

Chris Knight: If you think that by threatening me, you can get me to be your slave, well... that's where you're right, but - and I'm only saying this because I care - there are a lot of decaffeinated brands on the market today that are just as tasty as the real thing.
Jerry Hathaway: I'm not kidding, Chris.
Chris Knight: Neither am I, Jerry.

Val Kilmer was way funny on this film, I wonder why he isn't doing a lot of comedy now. In any case, I highly recommend this film for great laughs and memorable and witty lines you won't seem to forget.

Val Kilmer does a great job in this flick as teen genius 'Chris Knight' attending a prestigious college. He dabbles in the fields of physics, mathematics, and applied sciences. But can a person be too smart?

When newbie 'Mitch' (Gabriel Jarret) arrives, and is given a green light to update and apply his knowledge on the newest science project that a team is already working on, havoc ensues. The project is found out to be a government secret whose very essence is disturbing.

Can the students undo what they have done without...
1. getting caught,
2. creating mischief,
3. having a blast?

And just WHO is this guy who mysteriously appears and disappears from Mitch's dorm room closet????


A must-see for fans of the Brat Pack, and other 'B' movies like:
"Weird Scince", "Class", "My Science Project", and "Back To School".

Val Kilmer and William Atherton star in this 1985 comedy.
Two students learn they're building a top secret lazer
weapon for the military. I grew up watching this and
always liked it. I'm glad to have it on dvd that has
good picture and sound, but no extras. I highly
recommend this great 80's comedy.

I pretty much will purchase any film with Val Kilmer in it. His sense of comedy is really great in this. Its a fun story about a young genius who comes to a school for exceptionally gifted students. The usual pains and trying to fit in are well done. Some of the laser scenes seem a bit far fetched (but I am definately no genius) and the sub-topic is a bit dated. There is always the kisser upper who becomes jealous of the interloper and the "get even" plots are fun and well done. Much is really implausable but it is a comedy and most comedys aren't really interested in reality.
Nick is the young 15 year old who at times really succumbs to his tender age but he has a real friend and advocate in Val Kilmer who shows him the ropes and encourages him when the villan (the kiss up) records and then plays the phone call home to his folks when he feels he just doesn't belong there.
It moves along well and the action never stops. The bad guys are thwarted in the end and all is well. Its a nice break from the rat race.

Val Kilmer's one-liners are absolutely priceless. I won't spoil any for you. The dialogue is witty and fast - not loaded with dick and fart jokes, but A-rated comedy. The plot is solid, the writing is excellent, and it's all 80's, all the way. Highly recommended, this is one of my top five favorite movies of all time.