I.Q.

Ed Walters is a sharp but underachieving guy who finds himself chasing Catherine Boyd, a woman he can’t shake from his thoughts. When he learns she is the niece of a legendary physicist, he hatches a bold plan to win her over by posing as a brilliant scientist. Albert Einstein himself appears as a kindly mentor and quietly helps Ed craft a persona that could fool even the most skeptical crowd. Ed fumbles through lecture hall chatter, party conversations, and earnest debates about relativity, all while navigating a growing affection for Catherine and a circle of eccentric colleagues. What starts as a light deception slowly tests Ed’s honesty, his nerve, and his capacity to care beyond his own ego. The setup promises light mischief with a romantic heart.

Directed by Fred Schepisi and released in 1994, I Q is built from a screenplay by Andy Breckman and Michael J. Leeson. The film blends romance with comedy sparked by an undercover genius persona and Einstein as mentor. The performances of Robbins and Ryan anchor a softly witty comedy.

The production had a budget of 25 million dollars and grossed 26,381,221 worldwide. The near break even performance reflects a modest reception for a comedy that leans on star power rather than marquee spectacle. It opened with modest box office in the United States.

While it didn't leave a lasting imprint on pop culture, I Q stands as a tidy example of early 90s light comedy built around a clever romance premise. The buoyant chemistry between Tim Robbins and Meg Ryan keeps the humor buoyant, even as some jokes feel a touch out of date. It remains a pleasant, if small scale, crowd pleaser.

Critics offered mixed to warm responses, praising the leads' charm and Schepisi's breezy direction while noting that some humor lands softer than others. The film explores deception in the pursuit of love, the balance between intellect and warmth, and the idea that genuine connection outgrows clever façades.