I don't know how this film was regarded at the time, in relation to its humor, but dare I say that it was ahead of its time, perhaps? Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 1 Episode 1 Review: Second Contact, Paydirt Review: A Guy Ritchie Knockoff That Fails as A Heist Flick, The IMDb Poll Board User's Beloved Little Comedy Movies. | Top Critics (6) Now it’s a neighbor’s yard and the tree is full size. But unbeknownst to Mitch, Hathaway is in league with a covert CIA program to develop a space-based laser weapon called "Crossbow," designed for precisely targeted political assassinations. While Chris' construction of a xenon-halogen laser to solve the power problem was purely theoretical at the time, the underlying scientific details were later outlined in a scientific paper—a fitting example of how science and Hollywood can both benefit from such collaborations. For the "Smart People on Ice" scene, the crew used a frozen volatile gas, pumped through thousands of feet of tubing beneath the corridor flooring that was connected to a refrigeration unit to keep the gas cold. Coming Soon. The location was in a suburb just north of Los Angeles in Canyon Country which, at that time in the 80’s, was a subdivision under new construction with several open places they could choose to build. Regal ___________________________________________________________________________. articles for similar 80’s films locations we’ve visited that might bring back some memories. ", Self-Realization Mitch. Real Genius Of course, however, don't come in expecting The Godfather. Fifteen-year-old Mitch Taylor (Gabriel Jarret) is a science genius and social outcast at his high school. Some entries may be very easy to guess, others may be difficult and sometimes a clue will be given to help point people toward the right answer. comes from the 1985 comedy hit, Real Genius, with coordinates set squarely on the location of the infamous “popcorn house” seen in the finale of the film. That said, a 5-megawatt laser had certainly not been achieved in 1985. Fun fact: Lazlo's steam tunnel hideout, accessible through Mitch's closet, is an elaborate homage to Leonardo da Vinci. real genius 19762 GIFs. It's only when the boys learn that the government intends to use the laser as a weapon that they start to question what they've actually been working for. To help his discouraged son get through college, a funloving and obnoxious rich businessman decides to enter the school as a student himself. Color me surprised when I find out that, actually, this is a legitimately funny and clever movie that, because of comedy being the way it is today, holds up surprisingly well. Disappointed to see that it’s so unrecognizable now, but not surprising. To accomplish the feat of making a house get pulled apart by popcorn, the filmmakers had their work cut out for them and it was no easy task. I’ll have to Google that.” Lo and behold, there’s a whole damn webpage devoted to telling me what I wanted to know, and even showing me pictures. The location is worth the visit if you can bring your mental time machine with to imagine it much differently. And it goes without saying that the sexually frustrated virgin nerds ogling hot cosmetology students in bikinis during the pool party reflects hopelessly outdated stereotypes on several fronts. J.R. 'Bob' Dobbs & The Church of the SubGenius, Fall TV First Look: Find Out What’s Coming, The Best Peacock Original Shows and Movies, All Upcoming Disney Movies: New Disney Live-Action, Animation, Pixar, Marvel, and More. Do Your Research. Join the Ars Orbital Transmission mailing list to get weekly updates delivered to your inbox. Ad Choices. Thanks, Beyond the Marquee! Hacking a defense department laser weapon provides that heat. The initial test went well: the team successfully popped a single kernel wrapped in aluminum foil with a ten-watt laser. Real Genius isn't just a showcase for a new talent. Despite these forgivable breaches, the Neal Israel's unique dialog is truly brilliant, the situational comedy is eccentric, and the humor is uplifting. Most of the movie, of course, however, is Mitch Taylor adjusting to campus life while being roomed with campus legend, Chris Knight, who's also a genius.