Real Genius (1985) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictNot Woke

Real Genius1985

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

Real Genius is a blissfully non-woke throwback. It tells its story without bending over backwards to satisfy modern political sensibilities, focusing instead on clever humor and memorable characters. Its biggest ‘statement’ is that smart kids can outwit the system, which is as radical as it gets.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Not Woke

What is this?

Real Genius focuses solidly on story and character, with quirks and intellect driving the plot. Casting and characterization follow the norms of its era rather than current identity-based quotas. There’s a refreshing absence of forced representation or virtue signaling, with characters developed for their roles and personalities.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Not Woke

What is this?

The film pokes gentle fun at academic culture and authority but leaves traditional values like friendship, responsibility, and ingenuity intact. Masculinity and femininity are not pathologized or inverted, and family ties are left largely unaddressed, neither undermined nor spotlighted in any ideological way.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Not Woke

What is this?

There's no apparent agenda; the film doesn’t sermonize or caricature dissenting voices. Different viewpoints are either played for humor or shown neutrally, and ideological issues, of any stripe, are essentially absent. It’s all about brainy kids and their madcap adventures, rather than pushing a message.

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Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.