Weird Science

The two teen losers Gary (Anthony Michael Hall) & Wyatt (Ilan Mitchell-Smith) have some great lines-- most of which I can't print in this review, but take my word: many of 'em are pretty freakin' funny. Bill Paxton's portrayal of nasty big-brother Chet was definitely a springboard for his career of playing whiny scumbag-type characters (remember Hudson from "Aliens"? Or the weasely car salesman from "True Lies"?). Robert Downey Jr. even makes a strong appearance, looking very much the epitome of 80's suburban new-wave fashion as one of our heroes' many tormentors, many years before his substance abuse problems made the headlines in the Hollywood gossip pages.

And then there's Kelly LeBrock as Lisa, a new take on 'Frankenstein'-- oh man, the wrong things I'm thinkin' as she struts about in the various outfits she throws herself into... and out of. Oh yes, heh. Er, excuse me; I gotta go hose myself down...

Okay, hormonal balance re-established, thank God. Speakin' of Lisa: my favorite part is where she takes the geeky buddies out to a bar with a predominantly black clientele. As Gary (Anthony Michael Hall) drinks himself into a near-stupor he becomes "pimp-daddy", doing the shuckin'-and-jivin' routine that Eminem couldn't even hope to touch. Amos 'n' Andy move over! Another great scene is Lisa letting Gary's parents know just what'll be goin' on at the house party she's taking their son to. Their overwrought reaction and Gary's complete embarrassment to her brutal honesty here is priceless!

Please note that there are two versions of 'Weird Science' on DVD. The latter release, part of Universal's "High School Reunion" series, includes the original soundtrack used in the theatrical version, as well as a much clearer and brighter picture, and superior audio quality and separation than the former release. Oh, and it also includes the original theatrical trailer as a bonus feature, and English subtitles. Unfortunately, the subtitles only catch about two thirds of what the subjects are actually saying 'cuz much of the dialogue is fairly swift. Otherwise, this is the best video release of the film to come out yet, and is a highly recommended addition to any 80s-teen-comedy fan's video shelf.

'Late


Chips, dips, chains, whips...   June 24, 2004
David M. Elliott (Lovely Nebraska)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This is one of the great 80s flicks, courtesy of the great 80s flicks guy, John Hughes. There are a hundred moments in this movie that flash me back to being an awkward 13 year old dork (as opposed to the awkward 32 year old dork I am now). And so many great lines! "Do you realize it's snowing in my room, godd**it?" Or when Gary opens the bathroom door and the cute girl asks, "What are you guys doing in there?" "Gary was just takin' a s**t!" *flash to a hand slapping Wyatt's face*

And, ya gotta love the bar scene, where a drunk Gary "tells his tale."

Anyway, it's a funny, funny movie, and highly recommended to anyone who loves the John Hughes 80s. An essential!


More 80's dribble that we can't get enough of   March 27, 2004
Johny Bottom (Jacksonville, NC)
This is another movie from the best decade in recorded history. Sure it's far out, unbelievable, and silly, but that's why we love it. I remember when this movie first came out Kelly LeBrock (The creation) was supposed to be 'the next big thing'. But hey, who wouldn't their woman going into a lingerie store and asking "Do you have this in black leather or barbed wire?"

Anthony Michael Hall is 'Dr. Frankenstein' and along with his dweeb partner, create the perfect woman with a Barbi Doll and a computer that could barely play Pong without crashing. My God do you remember those 5.25 inch floppy diskettes??

Well what else do we have, grandparents get frozen in a closet, the bully big brother turns into a green mucus pile with eyes, a clean Robert Downey Jr., a British Mad Max motorcycle gang in the living room, and oh yes, a nuclear missle growing out of the basement and through the roof.

Some things are dated, but boys wearing bras on their heads will never go out of style.