Real Genius

Real Genius is a compelling blend of comedy and drama featuring a relatively young Val Kilmer in one of his breakthrough roles. The 1985 film is directed by Martha Coolidge, known for her knack in crafting convincing narratives rich with wit and humor. Alongside Kilmer, a talented ensemble cast including Stacy Peralta and Daniel Ades injects this film with a heaping spoonful of youthful exuberance that is extremely infectious.

In Real Genius, Kilmer plays the role of Chris Knight, an exceptionally brilliant and charming student at Pacific Tech, an esteemed science and engineering university. Knight is a senior who has a rebellious streak in him, flaunting his distinctively bohemian style that seemingly contradicts his academic genius. However, despite his eccentricities, Knight is a lovable character with his offbeat humor and a paradoxical mix of irreverence and dedication to science.

Stacy Peralta plays the role of Jordan Cochran, a hyperactive and socially awkward yet immensely gifted student. Her undisputed brilliance displays an intriguing contrast with her quirky behavior, providing the film with moments of lighthearted hilarity.

New to the lot, Gabriel Jarret portrays the character of Mitch Taylor, a 15-year-old boy genius who gets admitted to Pacific Tech due to his exceptional abilities. An idealist, Mitch is eager to change the world with his intelligence and intuition. However, he soon realizes that the institute, which he had long viewed as a pantheon of pure intellectual pursuit, also harbors more sinister, covert operations.

The plot essentially revolves around the trio's combined genius that gets tested when they become ensnared in a controversial government project. The university's formidable professor, Hathaway (played by William Atherton), known for his apparent dedication to scientific advancement, has a side agenda that gets the students inadvertently entangled in a design project that can potentially be used as a weapon.

Set into this high-concept backdrop, the lives of all these young scientific maestros interweave, creating a pulsating narrative that weaves potentially heavy elements of technological intrigue with the lighter, more relatable elements of coming-of-age struggles. It's this balancing act between intense scientific dedication and adolescent rebellion that give Real Genius its real charm.

Throughout the film, there is a striking emphasis on the moral and ethical implications of the misuse of intellectual prowess. It portrays intellect not as an end unto itself, but as a tool, the use of which determines its worthiness. This ethos is subtly, yet smartly, touched upon throughout the narrative.

Real Genius is not just about a bunch of pitfall-infused scientific pursuits, but it also paints a vivid picture of the college life of the 1980s. From parties brimming with youthful defiance to dorm life resonating with curious camaraderie, the film provides a colorful peek into the era's student life. The film also includes a notable soundtrack that complements its plot and settings, underscoring the mood throughout the narrative beautifully.

The movie artfully juxtaposes the complexity of scientific endeavors with the simplicity of human emotions. It poignantly highlights that even in a world crammed with geniuses, battles are not just fought with wit and intelligence, but also with heart and a strong sense of righteousness.

Overall, Real Genius is a thought-provoking yet entertaining film that elegantly combines the intensity of a technologically charged drama with the lighthearted fun and hijinks expected from a college film. A must-watch for fans of smart comedies embedded with a deeper message. Thus, the film remains a refreshingly unique perspective on a world where intelligence reigns supreme, but it's the human spirit that truly makes a difference.