Genius
By Tracey Petherick,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Disney alter ego comedy has positive messages, role models.
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Genius
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What's the Story?
GENIUS tells the story of 14-year-old Charlie Boyle (Trevor Morgan), hockey lover and expert in particle physics, who has always struggled to fit in. A science prodigy, he gets a place at college and is tasked with helping a professor with his research into defying gravity. It's a dream come true, but it doesn't make his social life any easier. When he meets schoolgirl Claire (Emmy Rossum) at the ice rink, he creates an alter ego -- the much cooler and socially competent Chaz -- and enrolls at Junior High in an effort to get closer to her. Now he needs to use his quick wits and intelligence to juggle two lives -- with mixed results.
Is It Any Good?
A standard Disney offering from the 1990s' TV movie stable, this is nonetheless a charming coming-of-age story with a lighthearted tone. Genius somehow gets away with combining science and sport, making particle physics experiments seem just as exciting as fast-paced ice hockey sequences.
Morgan and Rossum -- both just 13 when this was made -- have a natural flair and snappy chemistry. And while Morgan's alter ego character Chaz will have you cringing throughout, he'll no doubt also elicit a few laughs. There are numerous implausible plotlines -- not least that an eccentric pair of scientists holed up under an ice rink might uncover the secret to defying gravity -- but at its heart this is a story about growing up, first love, and being true to yourself.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the positive messages in Genius. Where do we see the value of friendship, the importance of being yourself, or what it means to be inclusive? Why are these important things to consider in our own lives?
Talk about the concept of being "cool." Why might it affect someone's popularity, confidence, or self-esteem? What do you think makes someone cool?
Do you think Charlie is a good role model? He's hardworking, passionate, and warmhearted but his actions are deceitful. Do his positive traits outweigh the negative? Why media role models matter.
Talk about the lack of diversity. Would you have liked to see more diverse characters? Would that have improved the story? Why is representation important in movies?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: August 21, 1999
- Cast: Trevor Morgan , Emmy Rossum , Charles Fleischer
- Director: Rod Daniel
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Disney Channel Original Movies
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: STEM , Sports and Martial Arts , Great Boy Role Models , Middle School
- Character Strengths: Empathy , Integrity , Teamwork
- Run time: 85 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 17, 2023
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