It’s encouraging that filmmakers can create movies for teens without relying on crude jokes or constant sexual references. The 1980s saw a surge of films geared toward younger viewers, and this one stands out as fairly engaging, even though it's ultimately as easily overlooked as most others from that era. It certainly reflects the attitudes prevalent among young people at the time: defiance, resistance to authori…

"Real Genius," released in 1985 and directed by Martha Coolidge, presents a college dramedy centered on Gabe Jarret, a 15-year-old prodigy in laser technology. He’s brought into the orbit of physics Professor Jerry Hathaway (William Atherton), who has his own reasons for wanting the young man to work in his private lab. Jarret's roommate happens to be an exceptionally gifted freshman now in his senior year, seemingly…