Real Genius is a comedy film from 1985 directed by Martha Coolidge and starring Val Kilmer as Chris Knight and Gabriel Jarret as Mitch Taylor. The film follows the two young scientists as they work on a top-secret laser project for their university. However, they soon realize that their corrupt professor, Dr. Jerry Hathaway (played by William Atherton), is actually using their work for nefarious purposes.
As Chris and Mitch try to uncover the truth about their project, they also find time to have some fun. Chris is a carefree party animal who loves to play pranks and make sarcastic comments, while Mitch is a socially awkward but brilliant teenager struggling to fit in at college. Together, they come up with some hilarious ways to use their scientific knowledge, like creating a popcorn explosion in their dorm room.
As the deadline for their project approaches, Chris and Mitch must use all of their ingenuity to stop Dr. Hathaway from achieving his evil plans. Along the way, they face various obstacles, such as a hyper-competitive rival student, a nosy reporter, and even a malfunctioning robot.
Real Genius is a classic '80s comedy that showcases the talents of its young cast, particularly Val Kilmer, who delivers a standout performance as the charismatic Chris Knight. The film also features an iconic soundtrack with songs like "Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime" by The Korgis. Despite the silliness of its premise, Real Genius manages to mix humor and heart, making it an enduring favorite among fans of the genre.