Real Genius (1985)

15 year old Mitch Taylor (Gabe Jarret) has been recuited to join Prof. Hathaway’s (William Atherton) science team. Alongside fellow super genius and senior Chris Knight (Val Kilmer), Mitch is working on an advanced laser project and unknowingly creating a lethal military weapon. Besides adjusting to campus life, Mitch is also adjusting to mentor’s—Knight’s—odd behavior. When the duo discovers the truth behind the project Mitch and Chris team up for a bit of revenge.

Real Genius is totally 80s! It’s a bit corny, but between Kilmer’s comedic timing and the sharp dialogue, this one is funny.. The misfit cast is key. Knight is a genius turned stud who no longer studies. In contrast is Mitch, who does nothing but. Prof Hathaway is an egolomaniac. Add John Gries as Laslo who lives in the closet and Jordan—a never sleeping crazy girl and you’re made.

Immensely quotable, the dialogue never misses. Kilmer’s delivery is brilliant. Behind the cast and dialogue is frame after frame of craziness that demands rewatching—love the progression of recorders. Throw in some Tears for Fears and you’ve got everything you need right here.

As I see it, Real Genius is madly underrated. If you haven’t seen it, go now. "It’s a moral imperative."

Heavyweights (1995)

One of Disney’s dated feel-good family films about overweight boys with Ben Stiller as a crazed fitness guru.

Capitalism: A Love Story (2009)

Regardless of how you feel about the man known as Michael Moore, there is no denying that his most recent offering is a sad, sensationalistic, but immensely thought-provoking diatribe on the state of our union.

The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights (2009)

The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights is as fascinating and odd as the band itself.  The rock doc follows Jack and Meg through a massive tour of Canada as the duo hits every province and territory with impromptu gigs and full-on shows. 

Content with Jack doing most of the talking, Meg has constant bemused look on her face.  Jack says it best with his guitar, but ultimately both are just as interesting as heck.

Filmed mostly in B&W, the film has an unusual aesthetic just like it's subjects.  As I see it, only fans of the White Stripes will find this a most welcoming piece.

The Edukators (2005)

Best friends Jan (Daniel Brühl) and Peter (Stipe Erceg) are a couple of radical idealists who like to strike fear in the minds of Germany’s elite. Their unorthodox duo break into mansions, rearrange things and leave messages warning on the pitfalls of wealth signed by ‘The Edukators’. Enter Peter’s disillusioned girlfriend Jule (Julia Jentsch) who joins Jan on this adventures while Peter is away. All goes well until she leaves her phone at the home of a businessman who, incidentally, is also the man who is causing said disillusionment. Unexpected events call for improvising with the most unexpected of results.

The Edukators strikes the perfect balance between ideology and believability making for a subtle thought-provoking drama. The simplicity of it all is disarming thanks, in part, to the fantastic cast. The three leads—just kids—are struggling to make sense of their ideals and a world in which they don’t fit. Brühl as Jan is perfectly moody, confused, and passionate. In contrast is Peter, who suffers Jan’s moods for the rush of it all.

The cinematography is also of note. The Edukators meanders a bit before the director refocuses, creating unlikely symbolism in the juxataposition of desparity.  The film's climax, in retrospect, I should have seen coming.  But I think it speaks to the film's success all the same.

As I see it, The Edukators is another foreign gem that makes me loathe current American cinema. Why can’t we get quality drama like this at home? The film is artistic, entertaining, and thoughtful. No, it won’t probably won't make you a better person for seeing, but The Edukators will certainly be remembered.