Review #1116: Weird Science.
Cast:
Anthony Michael Hall (Gary Wallace), Ilan Mitchell-Smith (Wyatt Donnelly), Kelly LeBrock (Lisa), Bill Paxton (Chet Donnelly), Robert Downey Jr. (Ian), Robert Rusler (Max), Suzanne Snyder (Deb), Judie Aronson (Hilly), Vernon Wells (Lord General), Britt Leach (Al Wallace), and Barbara Lang (Lucy Wallace) Directed by John Hughes (#046 - The Breakfast Club, #207 - Ferris Bueller's Day Off, #249 - Sixteen Candles, #643 - Uncle Buck, and #879 - Planes, Trains and Automobiles)
Review:
Weird Science was the third film directed by John Hughes, along with the eighth that he wrote (which he reportedly did in two days), released nearly five months after The Breakfast Club on August 2, 1985. The title comes from the anthology comic book series of the same name published by William Gaines and edited by Al Feldstein that was part of EC Comics, for which producer Joel Silver had acquired the film rights to earlier in the decade; the plot is loosely based off the story "Made of the Future" from Feldstein. The film would also inspire a show of the same name that lasted from 1994 to 1998, although certainly the most enduring aspect from the film in the decades that followed is the title song from Oingo Boingo, written by Danny Elfman. In any case, it isn't hard to say that this isn't as good as other Hughes efforts, but there is still an element of fun to be had here, even with something as weirdly built as this. This is a goofy movie through and through, with a silly premise straight out of science fiction, while also being a teenage comedy that will likely hit the mark just enough for its audience target that doesn't take itself too seriously. Hall makes for a fairly likable lead to follow, having the type of timing and wide expressions that you might expect that certainly click at times. Mitchell-Smith does okay, playing the shy wiz kid type that certainly take a bit of time to get used to - but he gets some laughs eventually. LeBrock (a model turned actress in her second feature role after The Woman in Red the previous year) does pretty well, having charm and wit that makes her interesting to watch in getting some laughs and joy that plays well to the movie's advantage. Paxton proves to be a highlight, playing the obnoxious heel with relish and conviction that proves efficient. Downey Jr and Rusler have brief moments on screen, but they do their part well, which could apply to the other castmates, such as Wells and his biker role reminiscent of the one from his part in Mad Max 2. The film, in its 94 minute run-time, manages to play itself neatly with trying to balance its characters with wish-fulfilling and a few choice special effects - some of which work and some of it feeling a bit dated. It isn't too hard to see why it can apply as a cult classic, but it certainly can be a bit of dilemma to wonder if the film really does work. On its own level and terms, that may prove true for people in the right mood for it, proving to be fair entertainment for ones who want to seek it out.
Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.
