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Real Genius is a 1985 American science-fiction comedy film directed by Martha Coolidge and starring Val Kilmer, Gabriel Jarret, Michelle Meyrink, William Atherton, and Jon Gries. The movie follows young science prodigies Jerry (Jarret) and Mitch (Kilmer) as they navigate the ups and downs of college life at Pacific Tech, a prestigious university specializing in engineering.

Jerry and Mitch are both brilliant students who are recruited to work on a highly classified government project. They are asked to develop a high-powered laser system that can be used for military purposes. However, as they begin working on the project, they discover some unsettling truths about the nature of their work and the motives of their superiors.

The film is set in the mid-80s, and it does a great job of capturing the era's pop culture and technological advancements. The characters wear big hair and funky clothes, and the technology they use is laughably outdated. There's a fun montage of the students building a complex Rube Goldberg machine to solve an everyday problem, which is both amusing and nostalgic.

The film's standout performance comes from Val Kilmer as the charming, intelligent, and occasionally smarmy Mitch. He infuses the character with a sense of charisma and mischievousness that's hard to resist. Gabriel Jarret also does an excellent job as Jerry, the awkward and introverted prodigy who finds himself struggling to fit in with his peers.

One of the film's most memorable scenes involves a massive party held in the students' dorms. The entire building is transformed into a giant playground, with elaborate pranks and practical jokes being played on everyone. This scene captures the wild and carefree spirit of college life, and it's incredibly fun to watch.

Some of the film's humor feels dated and may not resonate with contemporary audiences. There are a few sexist jokes and crude gags that might feel uncomfortable, but they are relatively mild compared to some of the more offensive comedies made in the 80s.

Overall, Real Genius is a fun and lighthearted film that offers a unique blend of science fiction and comedy. It has a lovable cast of characters, a great soundtrack of 80s hits, and some genuinely hilarious moments. While it may not be the most intelligent or insightful film, it's a great escape from the stresses of everyday life and a reminder of the carefree days of youth.

Real Genius is a 1985 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 71.