Real Genius

Martha Coolidge directed this comedy taking place at Cal Tech, concerning incoming freshman Mitch (Gabe Jarret), a high school student whose Science Fair project made important inroads into laser beam technology. Mitch has been recruited by famed physics professor Hathaway (William Atherton), who ...more

Based on the real-life hijinks of students at the California Technical Institute, Real Genius is a likable, frothy entrant in the teen-comedy sweepstakes of the 1980s. Though not as edgy or commercially successful as some other films of its genre, notably Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Genius is a good companion to John Hughes' similarly pleasing teen pictures. The script is somewhat against the norm in focusing on college kids and not high schoolers, but the film isn't concerned with the usual ...more