SNMR 3.11: "Real Genius"

Tonight's SNMR feature is "Real Genius" (1985, PG, 105 minutes), starring Val Kilmer, Gabe Jarret, Michelle Meyrink, Jon Gries, Robert Prescott and William Atherton. The film was directed by Martha Coolidge.

I've seen this film many times since high school and it still ranks in my book as one of the funniest films of the last 25 years. "I guess you'll just have to hammer later."

From the DVD's dust case:

When a group of crazy college geniuses put their heads together, almost anything can happen. Hold on for a freewheeling, uproarious look at just how much mischief a bunch of high IQ-ers can concoct.
Chris (Val Kilmer) is the top brain who just wants to party, Mitch (Gabe Jarret) is the 15 year old wiz kid, and Lazlo (Jonathan Gries), America's number one brain, literally lives in a world of his own... Chris' closet. Supposedly hard at work on a lab project, they still find time to turn the dorm into an ice skating rink, dismantle a nerd's car and reassemble it in his room, and throw a beach party in the auditorium complete with a lagoon and bikini-clad beauties. When the geniuses discover that their unscrupulous mentor Professor Hathaway (William Atherton) has had them work on a secret weapon for the military, they plot an elaborate revenge. Their plan culminates in an incredible scheme that outsmarts the military and convinces the professor that it doesn't pay to fool with a REAL GENIUS!

From Martin and Porter's DVD & Video Guide 2007, p. 924:

This is a mildly amusing comedy about a group of science prodigies (led by Val Kilmer) who decide to thwart the plans of their ego maniacal mentor (William Atherton). Director Martha Coolidge does her best to keep things interesting, but she can't overcome the predictability of the climax.

I love to pull this film out every once in a while and enjoy the fun. Val Kilmer and a cast of "who the heck are these people" have come up with a cult classic. If you haven't seen this film yet, where have you been? Do try and rent it. You'll be glad you did. This film gets 4 3/4 out of five stars.