Real Genius
Real Genius is a 1985 American science fiction comedy film directed by Martha Coolidge and written by Neal Israel, Pat Proft, and P.J. Torokvei, starring Val Kilmer as eccentric genius Chris Knight, alongside Gabriel Jarret as prodigy freshman Mitch Taylor and Michelle Meyrink as their classmate Jordan Cochran.[1] Set at the fictional Pacific Technical University, modeled after institutions like Caltech, the plot follows Knight and Taylor as they develop an advanced chemical laser under the guidance of professor Jerry Hathaway, only to discover its intended use as a covert military weapon for assassinations, prompting them to sabotage the project with inventive pranks emphasizing themes of scientific ethics and rebellion against authority.[2] The film marked a breakout role for Kilmer, whose charismatic portrayal of the fun-loving yet brilliant Knight drew praise for blending humor with underlying critique of academic exploitation and government overreach in research.[3] Produced by Brian Grazer for Tri-Star Pictures on a budget of approximately $8 million, it earned $12.95 million at the box office, achieving modest commercial success while gaining acclaim for its witty script, inventive gags, and soundtrack featuring songs by artists like The Omen and Peter Gabriel.[4] Critically, Real Genius holds a 77% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on contemporary reviews, with Roger Ebert awarding it three-and-a-half stars for its engaging mix of college comedy and moral quandaries, though some noted its uneven pacing; it later developed a cult following among sci-fi and geek culture enthusiasts for celebrating intellectual mischief and foreshadowing debates on dual-use technology.[3][2] The picture received awards including the Grand Prize for Best Film at the Paris Film Festival and nods from the Young Artist Awards, underscoring its appeal to younger audiences despite limited initial awards recognition.[5]