Raising Genius

Unless you are a hardcore Justin Long fan, do not bother watching this overwrought, pretentious garbage. Ooooh! Look at me! I'm a "black" comedy! Hold on a second...shouldn't any type of comedy be at least somewhat amusing? Yes, the situations were comedic, but that doesn't cut it by itself. The characters' eccentricities cried out "Plot contrivance!" Everyone seemed extremely one-dimensional, which does not play well in a movie striving to make a point (beat a dead horse) about modern life/society. Poorly written and acted(Did somebody owe Ron Howard some money? How else do you explain the presence of Clint?). Justin Long must have some inside info on some Hollywood bigwigs to continue getting acting gigs; in this particular film, he outdoes himself with a horrible performance. Do not bother!

I agree with the first comment in that the movie needs to make up its mind as to whether it's serious or comedic. However, overall, I did enjoy it. I found certain parts so eccentric that it was WILDLY funny, though in a horribly twisted manner. I laughed until my sides hurt at the bathroom scene when his mother picked the lock...but I won't say anymore about it. The only problem I had was that the sex scene did not seem to fit in well with the rest of the movie. I think it should have focused more on Hal's reactions than the actual sex. However, the rest of the film certainly makes up for it. Just keep in mind that the movie was rated R for a reason.

This is not "black comedy", nor any kind of comedy for that matter. This is also not entertainment. Who ever thought that having Justin Long locked in a bathroom, with his twisted Mother on the other side, screaming at each other would be entertaining? The redundant plot is neither creative, or clever, but is a plenty boring. Fine actors are totally wasted, Ed Begley Jr. and Stephen Root, especially. For a "black comedy" to succeed, it must be outrageous, which this is not. For a "black comedy" to be entertaining, it must have at least one sympathetic character, which this does not. For a "black Comedy" to succeed, it must be funny, which this certainly is not. Quite simply this is not "black comedy". Avoid at all costs. - MERK

I cant even get thru this movie. It does keep my interest...I walked away to do dishes.

A fun quirky ride down the entrails of humor. Perhaps today's version of Harold and Maude. I am not certain that there is a normal person in the film at all. The young man with hormones on fire for a cheerleader and another portion of his brain juggling equations to find balance - is perhaps more common as a metaphor in today's world of indulged youth and pampered realities.

It is a fun gallop with a myriad of notable actors and actresses. This is a slice of today's world seen through the eye of a gifted director Bess Wiley. Ms. Wiley has worked the camera with some of today's best directors and she directs this soon to be cult classic with inventive camera angles and a flair for art and drama.

If you enjoyed Harold and Maude, you will love this film. I even like this film better than the 1971 film directed by Hal Ashby.