Val Kilmer’s Forgotten Sci-Fi Comedy Is Streaming For Free (But You Need to Act Fast)

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Val Kilmer, the popular actor who passed away last year, is back in the news. He’ll appear in the new film As Deep as the Grave thanks to artificial intelligence. This has sparked a lot of discussion about whether AI can be used ethically in movies and TV. Aside from this, it’s a good time to remember Kilmer’s impressive career, including a fantastic sci-fi movie that many people have forgotten – and it will soon be available to stream for free.

Val Kilmer is known for iconic roles like Batman and Iceman in Top Gun, but he also had a fantastic career with films like the 1985 sci-fi comedy Real Genius. The movie stars Kilmer and Gabriel Jarret as college students Chris Knight and Mitch Taylor, respectively. They team up to work on a chemical laser, only to discover it’s actually a weapon with dangerous potential. Real Genius is a hidden gem in Kilmer’s film work, and while it’s currently streaming on Tubi, it was recently announced that it will be leaving the platform soon.

Real Genius is One of Kilmer’s Best Movies

Despite being one of the funniest and most memorable comedies of the 1980s, Real Genius is surprisingly often overlooked. It’s not only hilarious, but also features a standout performance from Val Kilmer. The movie’s premise – the military enlisting a college’s help to develop a powerful new weapon – is a bit far-fetched, but it’s also endearing and sincere. The story follows Chris and Mitch, who invent a chemical laser that their CIA-connected professor intends to use for military purposes. Chris strongly objects to this, and he and Mitch work to sabotage the military’s plans for their invention.

This movie is a genuinely fun ride – it’s a classic underdog story about two college students taking on the government, complete with lasers and quirky military conspiracies. But what really makes it special is Val Kilmer’s performance, a reminder of his incredible talent. He’s at his best here, showcasing a natural comedic timing that’s often missing in his later work. Kilmer elevates what could have been a silly movie, keeping it funny while adding real depth. Though it’s largely faded from memory, critics originally praised the film, and it still holds a strong 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with much of the credit going to Kilmer’s ability to create genuine comedy instead of just a caricature.

Why didn’t more people see Real Genius when it came out? It probably came down to bad timing. The same year, Back to the Future became a huge hit, overshadowing it. Plus, Real Genius was released just before Val Kilmer starred in Top Gun, which launched him to stardom. Now that it’s streaming for free on Tubi, it’s a great chance to discover (or rediscover) this funny movie and Kilmer’s talent – but watch it soon before it’s gone!

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2026-04-20 02:12