Raising Genius

I think some previous user comments have missed the point. This movie is not so much about the son, Hal, as it is about the mother, Nancy.

This movie kind of reminds me of the TV program "Malcom in the Middle" except this is a family with an only child(adolescent). The characters are over-the-top caricatures, each with a few quirks we can relate to. Hal wants to hide from the expectations put on him finishing high school, and his mother doesn't know how to control her son anymore, or take control of her own life. And the father doesn't even know what's going on. Other comical roles by the typical psychologist, grandma, aunt, friends & neighbours. It's not a great movie, but well-enough crafted, with a fresh look, and the actors are entertaining (it's fun to see Justin Long, the Mac guy, in the role of Hal). I certainly had a few good laughs (being a middle-aged mother myself.... maybe it's a "chick flick").

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

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!

This film had so many basic movie 101 flaws; it was just a mess. The premise of the genius teenage son who locks himself into the bathroom, (surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors who are by no means helpful) seems to be a good enough start. And certainly with the talented cast involved, I thought for sure this movie couldn't go wrong. However, with a very inconsistent narrative style (voice overs from multiple characters that drop in randomly, serving no purpose other than to cover story gaps), the ever switching p.o.v. (who's story was this? Mom's? Son's?) and the confounding love-like-hate relationship with Mom and Son (are we suppose to sympathize with them, hate them, laugh at them, love them, like them?), this movie elicited nothing from me other than confusion, and the question, "What was I supposed to get from this?"

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.