Raising Genius (2004)
Clint Howard, Danica McKellar, Ed Begley Jr
A small comedy about life, parenting and O.C.D. Nancy Nestor (Wendy Malick) plays the "perfect" wife and mother at her wits' end trying to talk her teenage genius son out of the bathroom. Hal (Justin Long) has locked himself in the bathroom as he works on a mathematical equation that involves watchi... (read more) A small comedy about life, parenting and O.C.D. Nancy Nestor (Wendy Malick) plays the "perfect" wife and mother at her wits' end trying to talk her teenage genius son out of the bathroom. Hal (Justin Long) has locked himself in the bathroom as he works on a mathematical equation that involves watching the cheerleader (Danica McKellar) next door bounce on a trampoline. Nancy's husband (Stephen Root) is too wrapped up in collecting things to help. A burglary brings the police to inspect the crime scene. They find Hal locked in the bathroom and suspect he is being held against his will and call Social Services and the situation spirals from there.
Flixster Users
R, 83 min
Directed by:
Linda Voorhees,
Bess Wiley
Release Date: Mar 10, 2004
DVD Release Date: Sep 12, 2006
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This interesting and offbeat comedy excels thanks to lead Justin Long. The increasingly interesting actor is no stranger to tackling different types of film roles (how else can you follow up a nice supporting role in the very good Galaxy Quest with a... (read more) This interesting and offbeat comedy excels thanks to lead Justin Long. The increasingly interesting actor is no stranger to tackling different types of film roles (how else can you follow up a nice supporting role in the very good Galaxy Quest with a lead in the pretty good horror film Jeepers Creepers?) and his astonishing role as Hal Nestor, a valedictorian who locks himself in the bathroom to work on a mathematical formula (he prefers that term instead of "equations") that somehow involves the cheerleader next door bouncing on a trampoline, is easily his best and most offbeat work yet. Most like Mos Def's characterization in 16 Blocks, Hal may come off as more than a little bit annoying, but Long understands his character, using his quirks and odd ticks as a catalyst rather than a means, making him more endearing than grating. There may not be so many guffaws as there is hearty chuckling, but the repeated attempts by Hal's mother to get him to get out of the bathroom. The film gets a bit deep in the last half, but the dramatics aren't overbearing, and it ends where it should (even though the credits hold something very funny). Chances are, if you somehow manage to find this enjoyable flick, you'll enjoy it immensely. Recommended.
It had it's quarks. great movie, funny and very smart. I enjoyed it very much. decaffeinated coffee is in need for that kid. *please for the love of all that is holy come out of the bathroom*
I enjoyed it, but it could have had a bit more of a plot. Still, excellent considering it's B-Movie Status
I'd say disappointment, but i had never heard of this film so i wasn't expecting anything. Crap.
I kept waiting for the plot to go somewhere, but it just built towards a climax that wasn't what it could have been.
Funny...probably the perfect picture of a dysfunctional family. Enough so that it made me feel like I was going insane while watching the movie.
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