Weird Science, celebrating its 40th anniversary from its release on Aug. 2, 1985, remains a quintessential 80s teen comedy.
John Hughes‘s signature blend of humor and heart shines through in this story of two geeky high schoolers, Gary Wallace (Anthony Michael Hall) and Wyatt Donnelly (Ilan Mitchell-Smith), who, fed up with rejection, and inspired by the 1931 film Frankenstein, use a home computer to create the perfect woman: Lisa (Kelly LeBrock).
Bill Paxton’s role as Wyatt’s older brother Chet is the star-making type of performance that led to the Fort Worth native’s starring roles in blockbusters including Titanic, Twister, True Lies, Aliens, Tombstone, Navy SEALs, Apollo 13 and Edge of Tomorrow.
Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Rusler also stand out as Ian and Max, the high bullies that are currently dating Gary and Wyatt’s crushes Hilly (Judie Aronson) and Deb (Suzanne Snyder).
Robert Rusler, Robert Downey Jr. and Kelly LeBrock in Weird Science (Photo/Universal Pictures)
The film is a visual feast, bursting with 80s aesthetics – big hair, neon colors, and synth-heavy music. The special effects, while dated by today’s standards, were groundbreaking for their time, and the film’s humor, though often crude, still delivers plenty of laughs.
Weird Science explores themes of social anxiety, the pressures of adolescence, and the power of imagination. While some aspects of the film may not hold up to modern scrutiny, its core message about self-acceptance and the importance of friendship remains timeless.
Reception for Weird Science
Weird Science grossed $4.9 million on its opening weekend, finishing in fourth place behind Back to the Future ($84. million) in its fifth weekend, National Lampoon’s European Vacation ($7.4 million) and Fright Night ($6.1 million).
The film wound up grossing $38.9 million worldwide in its theatrical release.
Roger Ebert gave Weird Science three out of four stars in his review, saying the film was “funnier, and a little deeper, than the predictable story it might have been.”
Legacy
Weird Science is a classic 80s teen comedy that, despite its age, still retains its charm and entertainment value. It’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane for many and a reminder of the power of imagination and the importance of embracing your inner geek.
