Real Genius

Two high school age geniuses, Mitch Taylor and Chris Knight, are bright but stubborn students who hang around a desert research campus, chasing a breakthrough laser project. They juggle lab work with exams, pranks, and a budding romance with Jordan, while trying to keep their heads above the constant rules and mixed signals from the adults in charge. When the top brass declares the device could be used as a weapon by the military, the pair refuses to let their creation serve harm. They recruit friends, insiders, and a bit of mischief to keep the project on a safe track, proving clever ideas can outrun ethics problems without losing their spark. The stakes hinge on clever science and stubborn courage.

Directed by Martha Coolidge and released in 1985, Real Genius leans on a witty script from Neal Israel Pat Proft and PJ Torokvei, blending smart science with high school humor and a sharp ensemble that balances brains and heart nicely.

Budgeted at 8 million, the film grossed about 12.95 million worldwide, marking it as a solid, modest hit for its era and giving Val Kilmer one of his memorable early screen credits. It found ongoing life on home video globally.

Fans remember the movie for its breezy blend of science jokes and coming of age energy, with Kilmer giving a sly, comic charisma that helped define a late 80s nerd chic. The laser lab sequences still pop on rewatch and remain a touchstone for tech oriented comedies and enduring affection.

Critical response praised the film for its smart humor and light performance driven by the leads. It treats scientific curiosity with playfulness while spotlighting teamwork, ethical choices and the pressures of growing up, avoiding cynicism in favor of optimism. Its brisk tempo invites repeat viewings with friends who enjoy banter.