Ever heard the saying “Don’t cannibalize the audience”? It’s a guiding principle in Hollywood’s movie-making world. When a film with similar themes or target demographics is set to release around the same time, studios often seek to create some distance between the two. The rationale is simple: two similar films competing for the same audience can weaken both their chances at box-office success. Yet, 40 years ago, an astonishing coincidence unfolded when three remarkably similar movies launched within a mere week of each other. Let’s take a deeper look.
Those films are Weird Science, featuring Anthony Michael Hall; Real Genius, starring Val Kilmer; and My Science Project, with Fisher Stevens. Released on August 2, August 7, and August 9, 1985, respectively, their overlapping themes of nerdy adventures make their simultaneous debut almost unbelievable. How did Hollywood allow not two, but three films centered around nerds utilizing science to come out in such quick succession?
This might be one of those unexplained Hollywood mysteries. However, we can examine past trends for insights. When considering nerd-centric 1980s cinema, many instantly recall Revenge of the Nerds, which premiered in July 1984 and grossed over $40 million globally. The timing suggests a clear message from Hollywood: audiences were hungry for stories featuring nerds as protagonists. Fast forward a year later, and we got a trifecta of quirkiness.
1. Weird Science: The Trailblazer
Weird Science premiered first on August 2. The story revolves around two outcast teenagers, played by Hall and Ilan Mitchell-Smith, who develop a virtual woman (portrayed by Kelly LeBrock) using a computer. This film stands out not only due to its engaging plot but also as it was crafted by the legendary John Hughes. With an impressive cast, including Brat Pack member Hall and notable talents like Bill Paxton and Robert Downey Jr., it became the most successful of the three, raking in nearly $40 million worldwide despite mixed reviews. Rotten Tomatoes awards it a 60% rating, sitting right on the border of fresh and rotten.
2. Real Genius: A Cult Classic
Just a few days later, on August 7, Real Genius hit theaters. The film follows a gifted young inventor (Gabriel Jarret) who creates a powerful laser, only to discover that his mentor (William Atherton) is actually using his invention for military weaponization, prompting a rebellion among students. Val Kilmer shines in this film, remembered particularly for his role as the quirky college student, Chris. With a 77% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a memorable popcorn-filled finale set to “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” it became a financial disappointment, grossing under $13 million. However, its charm helped cultivate a cult following through home viewing and late-night showings, thanks to the efforts of director Martha Coolidge, known for creating Valley Girl.
3. My Science Project: The Underdog
Two days after Real Genius, My Science Project was released on August 9. Unfortunately, this film often fades from memory. Unlike its counterparts, it follows a mechanic (John Stockwell) who unwittingly uses an alien device as his science project, allowing him to traverse space and time. Critics hammered it with an 11% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and it grossed just over $4 million. Despite its shortcomings, I have a nostalgic fondness for it, as I explored in another write-up. In the ultimate showdown, it emerged as the weakest link among the three.
Interestingly, a little film called Back to the Future had already graced theaters a month prior. While it isn’t strictly nerd-oriented, its science themes, phenomenal storytelling, and superior execution undoubtedly competed for the same viewers.
Why revisit these films now? As a child of the era who was five when these movies dropped, I grew up watching Weird Science, Real Genius, and My Science Project on repeat. It’s difficult to believe they all released within the same week. This sheer coincidence is worth a deeper exploration.
It’s vital to understand that movie releases in 1985 were vastly different from today. Fewer choices meant less competition and greater chances for films to find audiences over time. Most theaters likely didn’t show all three films concurrently, and a chance encounter with all of them during their original runs was unlikely. Thus, while Hollywood often mirrors trends, the competition within that particular week wasn’t as pronounced as it would be in today’s multi-screen world. Audiences simply wanted to watch films, especially ones that tickled their funny bone and spoke to their experiences of growth and innovation. The nerds were becoming the cool kids, and these films played a part in that narrative.
What are your memories of these iconic films? Share with us in the comments!
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