1 Weird Science or strange biology??
2 guys named Gary and Wyatt aren't popular with chicks. They can only have dreams.....but do they really need dreams? They got a computer to create a woman. Her name is Lisa and she is the whole world to these guys. They believe it will solve all their problems, too....they will only find out.
2 One of the best comedies from the 80's!
This movie is sooo funny. I watched it again for the umpteenth time this afternoon.
The scene at the nightclub with a drunk Anthony Michael Hall talking like a black jazz man totally cracks me up!
There are plenty of funny scenes in this movie. Plus, it's got a great cast.
I'll admit it - the original reason I first watched this movie was to see Kelly LeBrock. She's breathtakingly beautiful in this!
She's also very funny. "I'll kick your ass, Al" is one of the funniest lines in the movie.
This is a hliarious movie that really holds up well over time. Go watch it for the umpteenth time. It'll still make you laugh!
3 A really fun movie to watch again and again.
"Weird Science" is another John Hughes 80s flick, made after his masterpiece, "Sixteen Candles", and the excellent "Breakfast Club". No Molly Ringwald this time, but Anthony Michael Hall is in fine form, playing one of a duo of socially-inept (but computer genius) nerds who decide to create their own woman.
The movie is quite odd, with several surreal scenes that will have you shaking your head (but in a good way). Who could imagine, while the opening credits roll, that very soon AMH will be imitating an elderly black man in a bar, talking about women who have broken his heart? Who could imagine that an MX missile will play a role in the movie's denoument? Who could imagine that a slurpee could be a deadly projectile?
Kelly LeBrock is smoking hot as Lisa, the girl created from a Barbie doll and some microchips. Robert Downey, Jr. and Bill Paxton also appear, but it's the John Hughes directing touch that really propels this film.
Buy the DVD - despite having no extras, this is a film you won't get tired of. It bears repeated watchings very well.
4 Pretty cool 80's movie!
I just recently saw this movie after hearing a lot about it. I tend to stick with the classics, which include "The Breakfast Club," "Pretty in Pink," and "Sixteen Candles," but thought it would be nice to try another John Hughes movie. I was not disappointed. You can clearly tell it's from the mid-80's, as in one scene of the movie, you see David Lee Roth doing his show DAVE TV, plus the hair and fashions are totally 80's as well.
Gary (Anthony Michael Hall) and Wyatt (Ilan Mitchell Smith) are two high school students who feel rejected from the popular crowd, not that they were ever a part of it. They desperately want to fit in and have difficulty doing so. On one weekend, Gary is spending the night at Wyatt's house and gets the idea to create the ideal woman after watching a Frankenstein movie. Wyatt is apprehensive, but it isn't long before they are typing away at their computer, designing the dimensions for their ideal woman, and feed different body parts into the computer. After some major explosions in Wyatt's room, Kelly LeBrock emerges as the ultimate woman. Essentially, in a nutshell, what she does is to show them that standing up for themselves is good, and gives them self-confidence in the process. They really needed this. In certain scenes, Wyatt is quite a looker, but he just needs self-confidence.
I found Bill Paxton's character, Chet, to be utterly hilarious in his delivery and his military-like persona. He is such a bully, but he serves his role well. Robert Downey Jr. is one of the popular punks who helps in dumping a slurpee on Gary in one scene. Love his yellow socks. He has a guy friend who likes to pick on Gary and Wyatt as well, and they have a couple of beautiful girlfriends who actually seem very approachable. They are getting tired of their boyfriends' immaturity and come close to dumping them after the slurpee incident. But in the end, at the party, Wyatt and Gary finally get these girls as a result of their newfound confidence. They actually make pretty cute couples. Love the scene when Chet hits them in the morning with the butt of his rifle.
This was a great movie, and I am pleased to add it to my favorites of John Hughes movies.
5 An okay movie.
I just saw this for the first time, so I really had very little in the way of preconceptions about it. My impression of the movie is that it was somebody's dream. The whole thing is very dreamlike--there isn't much background; there isn't much explanation; there doesn't need to be. We understand what's going on despite the lack of supporting material.
Besides the lack of explanation or the need for it, other features of the movie add to the list of dreamlike characteristics. The main characters get 'pantsed in front of lots of girls they find attractive. People/creatures who are straight from imagination keep appearing. A missile shows up in an unlikely spot.
And the boys somehow manage to learn from all this--it gives them perspective and teaches them about themselves.
Weird Science is a decent movie. I doubt it will ever be one of my favorites, but it's fun to watch.
6 The Dreams Of Geeky Teenage Boys!
I saw this as a child and then again as an adult. I think I enjoyed it more as an adult. It is an amusing story of two teenage boys. This is another cheesy 80s movie that I watch over and over again because it is entertaining. It is potentially better than anything released in recent years. The story line is more possible today than it was back then. I will be interested to see how the story line holds up when this is actually possible.
7 One of my favorite John Hughes movies
I am a big fan of '80s teen comedies. I grew up on movies such as "The Breakfast Club", "Sixteen Candles", "Better Off Dead", and "Weird Science". Those are movies that I can constantly watch and still laugh at the sure silliness of the films. "Weird Science" is a silly premise when Anthony Michael Hall (Gary) and Ilan Mitchell Smith (Wyatt) create their perfect woman Kelly LeBrock (Lisa) with a Barbie doll and a little computer hacking. Gary and Wyatt aren't exactly popular with the girls in school so they decided to create their ideal woman one night when Wyatt's parents leave for the weekend. The results is non-stop chaos and hilarious comedy. In two days, the boys learn to become more confident in themselves and more comfortable in their own skin thanks to Lisa. I can never tire of watching this movie no matter how many times Comedy Central or any other cable network airs this movie. I can still laugh at when Chet (played by the hilarious Bill Paxton) gets turned into a Jabba the Hutt-like creature by Lisa or when the boys take the girls home. For me "Weird Science" is a timeless movie.
8 Typical John Hughes, only more so --- unfortunately
Simply put, this is a juvenile boy's fantasy run amok, trying to pass itself off as comedy with some insight into the teenage "experience," whatever the hell that is. I saw this years ago, and found it to be stupid & inane beyond words. I saw it again on TV this weekend, and found that time has in no way improved it.
All of the John Hughes hallmarks are here --- teen angst galore, loads of pithy, self-aware dialogue that no real-life teenager would ever utter, broadly stereotyped adults that are nothing more than cardboard cutouts. Additionally, of course (giving us a hint of what was to come with the "Home Alone" movies & "Baby's Day Out"), there runs throughout the film crass & vulgar slapstick masquerading as humor. It is embarrassing to thing that a movie as crude and unfunny as this even managed to be made in the first place.
I do admit that I found Bill Paxton (as Chet) to be funny throughout the movie, and Anthony Michael Hall has a certain dorky charm to him that makes him almost impossible to like. However, it just isn't enough for me to get past the sheer stupidity of the movie. The scary thing is, this is far from the worst of John Hughes' efforts, and that is indeed saying something. Maybe that is why I didn't give it one star.
9 Just Plain Great!!!!!!!
The best of John Hughes. I watched this at least 100 times as a kid. It does not get any better! The only thing that could have made this one better was a bit more skin from Kelly LeBrock, what a woman! I recommend it.
10 A Curiosity in knowing what the characters are doing now!!
I love this movie because it was released in theaters back in the 80's, Ilan Mitchell-Smith is a major hottie!!!, and there's no way no one cannot watch this film WITHOUT laughing!!! If anyone knows on what Ilan Mitchell-Smith is doing now and what other films he has done other than How to be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days and Weird Science, PLEASE let me know preferably through these reviews. Thanks a bunch. Unfortunately it seems that he did only those two and that was it. But with his good looks and acting ability, he must've done more than that. What other movies he been in? Also were is Anthony Michael Hall now? I am also very curious. Oh and a detailed description would be MUCH appreciated. Please respond promptly and thanks a bunch.
11 An Amazingly Funny Movie
I recently bought this movie for the sole purpose of Ilan Mitchell-Smith. Not only is he a major hottie in the film but his acting was superb. I have read many reviews about this movie and that was another factor in me buying this movie. I have also watched Ilan Mitchell-Smith in the Wonderworks movie "How to be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days". I would highly recommend that movie to anyone who has not seen it. Like many others I found Weird Science to be funny especially when the guys wore bras on their heads. I also loved this movie as it was made in the 80's (my fave decade). A must to see.
12 How about a greasy pork sandwich served in a dirty ashtray?
Of all the John Hughes-helmed 80's-teens-living-in-a-quaint-Chicago-suburb dramatic comedies, "Weird Science" is my favorite. While it's yet another take on on the 'losers who show everybody up in the end' genre of comedy that was so big at the time ('Revenge of the Nerds', anyone?), I find it far more hilarious than "Ferris Bueller's Day Off", and much more fun to watch than "The Breakfast Club". And you can hardly beat 'WS' when it comes to showcasing the fab fashions of the era. Ya know, big over-moussed and/or -crimped hair styles, narrow ties, pastels, spandex, and an overall lack of good taste that only the 70s can beat...
The two teen losers Gary (Anthony Michael Hall) & Wyatt (Ilan Mitchell-Smith) have some great lines-- most of which I can't print in this review, but take my word: many of 'em are pretty freakin' funny. Bill Paxton's portrayal of nasty big-brother Chet was definitely a springboard for his career of playing whiny scumbag-type characters (remember Hudson from "Aliens"? Or the weasely car salesman from "True Lies"?). Robert Downey Jr. even makes a strong appearance, looking very much the epitome of 80's suburban new-wave fashion as one of our heroes' many tormentors, many years before his substance abuse problems made the headlines in the Hollywood gossip pages.
And then there's Kelly LeBrock as Lisa, a new take on 'Frankenstein'-- oh man, the wrong things I'm thinkin' as she struts about in the various outfits she throws herself into... and out of. Oh yes, heh. Er, excuse me; I gotta go hose myself down...
Okay, hormonal balance re-established, thank God. Speakin' of Lisa: my favorite part is where she takes the geeky buddies out to a bar with a predominantly black clientele. As Gary (Anthony Michael Hall) drinks himself into a near-stupor he becomes "pimp-daddy", doing the shuckin'-and-jivin' routine that Eminem couldn't even hope to touch. Amos 'n' Andy move over! Another great scene is Lisa letting Gary's parents know just what'll be goin' on at the house party she's taking their son to. Their overwrought reaction and Gary's complete embarrassment to her brutal honesty here is priceless!
Please note that there are two versions of 'Weird Science' on DVD. The latter release, part of Universal's "High School Reunion" series, includes the original soundtrack used in the theatrical version, as well as a much clearer and brighter picture, and superior audio quality and separation than the former release. Oh, and it also includes the original theatrical trailer as a bonus feature, and English subtitles. Unfortunately, the subtitles only catch about two thirds of what the subjects are actually saying 'cuz much of the dialogue is fairly swift. Otherwise, this is the best video release of the film to come out yet, and is a highly recommended addition to any 80s-teen-comedy fan's video shelf.
'Late
13 Chips, dips, chains, whips...
This is one of the great 80s flicks, courtesy of the great 80s flicks guy, John Hughes. There are a hundred moments in this movie that flash me back to being an awkward 13 year old dork (as opposed to the awkward 32 year old dork I am now). And so many great lines! "Do you realize it's snowing in my room, godd**it?" Or when Gary opens the bathroom door and the cute girl asks, "What are you guys doing in there?" "Gary was just takin' a s**t!" *flash to a hand slapping Wyatt's face*
And, ya gotta love the bar scene, where a drunk Gary "tells his tale."
Anyway, it's a funny, funny movie, and highly recommended to anyone who loves the John Hughes 80s. An essential!
14 More 80's dribble that we can't get enough of
This is another movie from the best decade in recorded history. Sure it's far out, unbelievable, and silly, but that's why we love it. I remember when this movie first came out Kelly LeBrock (The creation) was supposed to be 'the next big thing'. But hey, who wouldn't their woman going into a lingerie store and asking "Do you have this in black leather or barbed wire?"
Anthony Michael Hall is 'Dr. Frankenstein' and along with his dweeb partner, create the perfect woman with a Barbi Doll and a computer that could barely play Pong without crashing. My God do you remember those 5.25 inch floppy diskettes??
Well what else do we have, grandparents get frozen in a closet, the bully big brother turns into a green mucus pile with eyes, a clean Robert Downey Jr., a British Mad Max motorcycle gang in the living room, and oh yes, a nuclear missle growing out of the basement and through the roof.
Some things are dated, but boys wearing bras on their heads will never go out of style.
15 Weird Science
This movie is the best "retro" comedy movie in cinema history!!! It keeps you laughing through the whole movie! Not just giggling, but the kind of pee-your-pants laughing.I think the best scene is when the blonde kid gets drunk at the club...the way he slurrs is HILARIOUS!!!
16 What's up chet?
It's 1985 and I'm back in high school again. This movie is certainly a teenage boys movie. I liked Chet, looks like a guy i work with (when he's turned into a turd).This fast times at Ridgemont high and better off dead are my fav. H.S movies from the 80's.
17 very funny
I remember seeing this as a kid every weekend. It's always funny to me! A Definate Classic.
18 eh, not as great as you think it is.
first let me start by saying, i own this movie. i hadn't seen it in years. YEARS. but i remembered it being so funny when i was younger. so i went and bought it. i must be getting older, though, because this movie is just not as great as i remembered. although, one of my favorite lines of all time is, "i don't know what the hell you're talking about and i wish you'd shut up." now that is classic.
19 So, what would you little maniacs like to do first?
Well, if I were that little maniac, what I'd like to do would be unprintable here. But seriously, what if you could program a computer to come up with the ideal woman? Sizzling good looks, turbo-bodied, intelligent as Einstein, kissable lips, long legged, self-assured, and with a cool, smooth, velvety English accent? Well, that's what Gary and Wyatt do and lo and behold, when the steam clears, out pops out that woman, whose first words to them are "So what would you little maniacs like to do first?" And what would be the effect on a couple of unpopular, unhip, nerdy guys like our two heroes, who have a nasty trick played on them while fantasizing about the girls' gymnastic team in the opening scene? Rather like me drinking a double mocha after spending a lifetime eating sand. I should know, I was one of the unpopular, unhip nerds at high school.
Well, they name the girl Lisa, after a girl who kicked Gary in the happy sacks after he asked her name. And they find out she is magical, like something out of a dream. Well face it, this is a comedy-fantasy after all. But she has a snazzy pink convertible, the ability to give them fake IDs, and is more a morale coach for them, and an unconventional one at that, as some of her schemes involve some tweaking of the rules, such as going to a blues bar, a funny scene if you can handle Gary's high-pitched drunken jive black ramble, and of course, the party! she tries to boost their egos into giving them self-respect and self-confidence, and most of all, trying to get accepted for the way they are, rather than what they can do, because yes, having the trappings of popularity is all very well, but if people use them only for that, what's the point?
Both Gary and Wyatt are uptight due to the strict morality imposed by their parents. In fact Gary tells Wyatt that his middle name is Tense. There is a funny scene involving Gary's parents and Lisa, hair all teased out like an 80's video vixen. However, Wyatt has a brute of an older brother Chet, a Marines-type with crewcut who takes sadistic pleasure in not only verbal and physically abuse, but extorting money, as he does when he sees Wyatt wearing Lisa's undies. In this movie, I don't think Chet's comeuppance was good enough--I'd have done a lot more.
LeBrock clearly sizzles in this movie, more so than she did in The Woman In Red, and like Jayne Mansfield in The Girl Can't Help It, she's got it. While the interraction between Anthony Michael Hall (Gary) and Ilan Mitchell Smith (Wyatt) provide for good laughs, she's definitely the catalyst behind the two's transformation. Despite their creating her, the fact remains that without her, they might as well be stuck in Nerd Quicksand. In fact LeBrock's presence masks some of the weaker and contrived plot elements and resolutions.
And it's interesting to see a very young Robert Downey Jr. as Ian, one of Gary and Wyatt's tormentors. He would later be reunited with Anthony Michael Hall in Johnny Be Good. Also, Michael Berryman, the tall bald guy in The Hills Are Alive and the school principle in Motley Crue's "Smoking In The Boys' Room", makes a small but unconventional appearance.
The variation of the Frankenstein monster was never this silly or sexy, although the jejune comedy does appeal to those who were teens during the 80's. Who knows what kind of woman I'd create if I had a computer with that kind of power, but if I did, the world had better watch out--there'll be a brand new me emerging.
20 Stay Away...Stay Far Away
This DVD tries to suck the buyer in by telling him/her that this DVD contains music from the original score...which it might have, but along with that there comes the added bonus of missing lines that made the movie a classic...for instance the "If there's one thing I know its female stats..." line is completely gone. There are others but I don't have enough room to put them here. Not since the latest Animal House with the missing "Have you seen my rolling papers?" line has a DVD release been so disappointing. While these things may not matter to the majority of you viewers, it will to some of you so you have been warned.
21 Gary, by the way, why are we wearing bras on our heads?
Gary (Anthony Michael Hall) and Wyatt (Ilan Mitchell-Smith) are two nerdy high school guys with fantasies of popularity and dreams of acceptance. While the reality factor goes right out the window as the movie progresses, I think the core theme of the movie is something a lot of people could relate to, the feelings of alienation at that awkward age, where even minor differences seem so large and significant, and the wanting to fit in, to be accepted.
In a twist on the classic Frankenstein story, Gary and Wyatt start out by trying to create a virtual woman on Wyatt's super computer, but then they push the envelope and venture into the great unknown when they end up creating a flesh and blood woman. Their hair-brained scheme succeeds beyond their wildest dreams whne the beautiful Lisa (Kelly LeBrock) appears. Only problem is Lisa becomes more than they bargained for, giving them what they wanted, and then some.
There are so many great lines in this movie, and the casting of all the characters is right on the nose. Could you imagine anyone else playing Chet, Wyatt's overbearing, controlling, mean spirited brother than Bill Paxton after watching this movie?
The once fantasy, now reality, begins to develop complications, as boys must contend with not only their fledgling popularity, but also how to explain the existence of Lisa. Matters aren't helped any as Lisa decides to throw a gigantic party for the boys (Wyatt's parents are out of town). Between their fear of Chet, a surprise visit from Wyatt's grandparents, and the arrival of a gang of mutant party crashers, the boys certainly have their hands full. Will Gary and Wyatt get what they want? Do they even know what they want?
While more based in fantasy than Sixteen Candles or The Breakfast Club, the John Hughes' touch is evident in his choice of non-mainstream music, direction, dialogue, and the underlying themes of teenage angst and rebellion. There have been some reviewers commenting on how the movie may have been cropped, but I honestly didn't notice. A big deal was made about how the original theatrical soundtrack was put back into the movie, but I had only really seen this in the theaters, so I am unaware of how previous releases were presented. What was noticeable was the lack of any real extras, like commentaries, production notes, interviews, or other related materials. While it's understandable that some movies get a barebones DVD release, I would have thought this movie would have warranted more than it got.
22 Hilariously funny!!!!
This is a hilarious movie it is about Anthony Michael Hall one of my favorite 1980's actors he and his friends wear bras on their heads and get on the pc and create a woman and this woman is Kelly LeBrock she is created and she has special powers and she does whatever and whenever she wants to people she is so funny Gary and Wyatt are her masters she gives them whatever they want and she teaches them courage and she really fixes Wyatt's brother Chet very good she turns him into an ugly lizard and then he learns how to treat Wyatt more better and the movie is just so hilarious I would truly recommend anyone to buy this movie I really did enjoy it . If you grew up in the 1980's and if you are an Anthony Michael Hall fan I would truly recommend that you buy this dvd!!!!!
23 Fav Film with Bad Letterbox
I have been waiting for this movie to be released on dvd for a while and I am totally thrilled with it...well...maybe not totally. The letterbox is botched. I experienced this same problem with the second "Back to the Future" film and the studio offered a mail in replacement with the correct aspect ratio. To be more specific, the bottom portion of the film is cut off. I noticed this in the kitchen/omelette scene first. I then compared it to my vhs copy and sure enough, the bottom of the film is missing. I returned my copy and got another one and it also has the same problem. Anyway, I contacted Universal and am waiting to hear back if they have a solution for this. You might want to wait if you are as big a fan of this movie as I am. OTHER than that...it is an excellent transfer and still fun to watch (just wish i could see the whole thing).
24 LOVED IT THEN! LOVE IT NOW!
I was a big fan of this movie back when it first came out! It was my favorite! Now, I'm a mom, with a son who bears a striking resemblence to the behavior of Chet! It's about time HE sees this movie!
It's full of good humor and fun for the young and young at heart. A classic in my book for sure. I still ask people, "Did you spit in this?" :o)
25 What Can I Say? She Likes Malakas, Dino!
At last, at last!!! Why did it take so long to reissue this gem?!! Just bursting with great lines all the way through, this is a first rate comedy from John Hughes...and Kelly Le Brock in the role she was born to play. I haven't bought it yet (probably will today!), and I don't give a fig about the lack of extras; I just want to relive those great moments in this completely unrealistic geek fantasy film:
"The next thing you know you'll be wearing a bra on your head."
"How 'bout a nice, greasy pork sandwich served in a dirty ashtray?"
"MA! I NEVER toss off!!!"
"Don't threaten ME, Al! YOU'RE out of shape, I'll kick your ARSE!"
"You can't go around hitting people with your Rex Harrison hat!"
"So whaddya say I...butter your muffin?"
Buy this. Right now.
26 Universal is ........... you - again!
Bad news for John Hughes fans, those waiting for feature-laden new special editions of his holy trinity - Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club and Weird Science - will undoubtedly be disappointed by the upcoming reissues. Although all feature newly remastered 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfers and Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround tracks, there are no extras included at all aside from trailers, and Sixteen Candles doesn't even get that. While retail is a low $$$$$$ apiece, after all the wait and endless postponements, such bare-bones reissues are just another thumb-in-the-eye to the consumer. There are different versions of both films from TV and video, there have to be deleted scenes and outtakes, not to mention the fact that commentary from Hughes, or any of the films stars should be easy to get. This is the cd scam all over again - don't wait for a third, or fourth version of the films to come out - make them do it right the first time!!!
27 The reason people like 80's comedies
One look at the cover art of this movie and one can see that the movie is totally silly; read the synopsis on the back (yes, they do create a women on a computer) and your first instinct may be to put that movie right back on the shelf. But as ridiculus as it may seem - and, indeed, is - "Weird Science" is one of the most genuinely enjoyable films to come out of the 80's. And really, why do people love 80's comedies so much in the first place? It has nothing to do with poignancy, beleive me. This film is funny as hell, colorful, shallow, and entirely whatchable. Brat-pack fans will enjoy Micheal-Halls very politically-incorrect pimp impression (fabulous), and Mitchell-Smith's adorable awe at the events changing his life. Kelly LeBrock is gorgeous even with hair teased within an inch of it's life, but as a women, I can tolerate her because of the take-charge, fearless attitude she adds to her seemingly "sex-toy" character. If you want to have fun, rent this film (don't buy this grotesquely over-priced DVD)and forget about depth. If you can't, forget about the 80's.
28 Another John Hughes Must Have!
Finally, the big boys in hollywood have been decent enough to grace us with a re-release of one of the great teen flick's of the 80's. Starring a young and accomplised Anthony michael Hall (The Breakfast Club) and a host of other 80's stars, the story follows two 15 year old teens who decide to make a virtual woman on their computer. However, things become more then just virtual as the woman they created becomes more then just a dream, and infact, real!
If your a fan of director John Hughes, then this is a DVD you simply have to own. It'll go nicely with other classics like "The Breakfast Club", "Sixteen Candles", "Pretty In Pink" and many more.
Oh, one more thing...I'm glad its being re-relesed for 2 reasons. 1) my VHS copy is almost worn out. 2) I wont have to pay for a over priced second hand copy.
29 great movie
This is a great movie and glad to se the re-release. Big blow to those trying to milk people for a copy of the dvd. Two geeks manage to make a girl from a barbie doll and a computer. A fine example of a coming of age comedy of the 80's.
30 Let's put the granparents in the broom closet
Another John Hughe's classic. It falls into the same DVD treatment as 'Sixteen Candles' though. It was released poorly on DVD, and is no longer in production. But hold on, there's rumours that this and 'Breakfast Club' and '16 Candles' will get the DVD treatment they deserve in time for their 20th Anniversary! Weird Science, although silly at times, is a must-have 80's classic with some VERY entertaining scenes. Wait for the next DVD release, please don't pay high amounts for the used early DVD copy!
31 Helluva Good Movie, But Not Worth Sixty Five Dollars!
This was a great movie! I was 15 years old when this movie came out and I've seen it a gazillion times. I am all about the 80's and what a fun time it was to live in the last of the original decades. I'd love to have this one for my DVD collection also...
32 Why Are We Wearing Bras On Our Heads?
Another John Hughes movie that delivers some of the funniest moments in an 80's teen comedy. And yes, it does take place in Shermer, Illinois again. A lot of it is dated now of course, but it is still enjoyable...... just be sure to check your brain at the door because the logic factor is ultra low. Bill Paxton gives probably his funniest performance ever, and you get to see Robert Downey Jr. back when he used to be funny. Compare this movie to any 90's teen comedy and you'll see why they just don't make them like they used to.
33 A very funny movie about an unrealistic concept
Could anyone really create a girl on their computer in 1985? Probably not, but that doesn't stop Gary (brat packer Anthony Michael Hall) and Wyatt (Ilan Mitchell Smith) from giving it a shot. Mystical forces soon take over and the two high school losers are left with a beautiful bombshell who is willing to fulfill their every desire. Every boy's dream, right?
Well, not exactly. They are so inexperienced and scared that they don't know what to do with the wild party girl. The movie walks us through their journey from quirky geeks to studs when they finally stand up for themselves.
The two guys have great comic chemistry with Kelly LeBrock, computer babe Lisa and create many laughable encounters with each other and other characters. Bill Paxton, a more serious actor today, is convincing as the rotten Chet. This is the role I will always remember him for, no matter what other movies he goes off to make about ghosts or twisters.
Director/writer John Hughes delivers another timeless gem about teenagers, continuing with the traditions of "The Breakfast Club" and "Sixteen Candles." Here he gets a little sillier, but still remains clever and true-to-life.
DO watch this movie uncut on VHS or DVD if you really want to enjoy it. Cable TV does it absolutely no justice.
34 Great movie, but why is the DVD so expensive?
I agree with the other reviewer. This is a great movie, but why would anyone pay $[money] for a DVD when most DVDs are selling for around $[money]? For that price it should come with the software that the two geeks used to make the girl! I still give the movie five stars though. Along with Ferris Bueller's Day Off it defines the classic 80's teenage genre. Go rent it for now until the price for the DVD comes down.
35 Don't fret !!!!!!!
This has got to be one of the funniest movies that came out in the 80s!! Even though the DVD is discontinued I was recently watching a talk show where Bill Paxton stated that he just layed down a commentary track for a special edition of Weird Science so let's all wait for what will have to be one of the best releases on DVD!!!!!
36 ...?? Come on, Amazon!
This is an awesome movie, but where is Amazon getting off charging [so much] for it on DVD?? I paid 20% of that for Casablanca on DVD-- which do you think is the more time-honored classic???
37 The Funniest Comedy Ever
The premise of this film is simple. Two unpopular high school geeks (Gary & Wyatt) decided to make their ultimate women using their computer. However the resulting woman (Kelly Le Brock) turns out to be more than a handful.
This film is definitely my favorite comedy of all time. It was Directed by John Hughes who also made such 80's classics as `The Breakfast Club' and `Ferris Bueller's Day Off '.
Anthony Michael Hall really makes this film in his role as Gary but there are notable early appearances by Robert Downey Jr and Bill Paxton who is brilliant as Gary's older brother Chet who constantly bullies him.
The film has too many brilliant scenes to go through but, the blues bar scene where the music stops and everybody stares at them when they walk in and the scene where the killer mutants from Mad Max turn up and trash the house party are just exceptional.
I cannot think of any film that has more one-liners in it and anyone who knows me know that I regularly quote lines from the film
"Gary do you feel like a chicken", "Well, if I could shoot an egg out of my ass right now I would"
38 Hot Frankenstein
John Hughes stretched his 80s success a little too far with this extreme comedy, a twist on the Frankenstein legend. What would happen if two unpopular geeks created their own beautiful woman? That high concept takes us through the whole film. Anthony Michael Hall does well with his third outing with Hughes following SIXTEEN CANDLES and THE BREAKFAST CLUB. The highlight of the film is his inebriated teen mixing in with several down-on-their-luck barflies. Their creation is the gorgeous Kelly LeBrock who consistently provides eye-candy for the boys (and the audience). Still, other Hughes creations had a social theme or statement that Gen X-ers attached. This film is just a silly comedy and shows up as an also ran. The DVD was an early release and offers no special materials but it does have a nice widescreen transfer.
39 From zero to heroes...
One of the most perfect movies ever made, although with a stunning cast, directed by the masterful John Hughes, it's hard to go wrong.
While you could see the divine Kelly Le Brock's character Lisa as a portrayal of the boys' collective Anima, which empowers them in areas in which they were previously inept, e.g. relating to women, she's also rather easy on the eye. This is Babeage off the scale as we know it. Endowed with Einsteinian intelligence, magical powers (L'Isa = Isis) and a bod that just won't quit, Lisa creates scenarios in which the boys can eventually overcome their fears and hangups and become the heroes that they always were.
Hughes also takes his trademark shot at the teaching profession (see also Ferris Bueller's Day Off) when one of the Mutant Bikers asks the boys not to blab about his trash-the-house conduct, as it might cost him his teaching job.
It's hilarious, it's sexy, it's one long highly imaginative thrill ride that you simply must not miss. The shower scene? Why, I hadn't even noticed...
40 Being compared with other Hughes films...
...It's totally underrated. Right behind "Sixteen Candles" in the order of my favorites(with "The Breakfast Club" in third, "Ferris" in fourth...and so on), "Wierd Science" proves to be the best of them all in rewatchability. That statement might be a bit brash, but I think it's true.
The premise is simple enough. Two dorks make thier "ideal" woman only to find out she's more than a handful(Literally).
Anthony Micheal Hall as Gary carries this movie, his comic timing at it's peak. The scene in the bar demonstrates this. Ilan Mitchell-Smith is very sweet as Gary's best friend. You wonder where he went after this film, because he really shined.(Apparently, now he's a history professor at a Texas university).
Kelly LeBrock is suprisingly funny as the "perfect" woman Lisa. Much better of an actress than one would think at first glance.
And Bill Paxton as Chet. Priceless.
Gosh, this movie is simply hilarious. Case in point, don't go out and buy "Pretty in Pink", buy "Weird Science".
41 Two nerds plus one computer equals one interesting weekend
John Hughs directed a film that some have considered not up to par with the other high class of films over the years. However with Wierd Sicence John Hughs would place a film with cult statis. Of course let's not forget such preformances from Anthony Micahel Hall and Kelly Lebrock. This film is really for those with a fondness for the strange the bizzare and quite frankly a bit of strange taste to everything life has to offer. It doesn't matter if you have a VCR or a DVD player this is one of those movies you have to have in your collection.
42 Original ending?
I will say that this will always be one of my favorite movies of the 80s. Along with the other John Hughes films, of course. But, what ever happened to the original ending with the Rocky theme? Even the copy I own has the alternate ending with the oingo boingo title track x2. This is my only problem with the new vhs/tv version. It just bugs me when films are edited when they're re-released. What's the point?
43 it's a Mind scramble...............
this movie is so good, i am almost in tears thinking about all the great times i've spent watching it. I can watch this movie a thousand times and never get tired of it. Anthony Michael Hall totally ruled this movie. I am speechless. Buy this movie NOW!!!!! it's a movie party!!!!
44 Check out the shower scene!
Here we have a movie that teaches us that anything is possible if we work at it hard enough and with a little luck. This was my first Kelly LeBrock movie and I can tell you that you do not have to be any certain age to appreciate her.
Lots of lessons are learned here by many people from different walks in life. Most people focus in on the scene where Lisa is confronting Gary's parents, [By the way commercial television really hacks this up and sometimes removes parts] others like the run in with Chet Donnelly (Bill Paxton). However I will always carry with me the shower scene as the one I could personally relate to (especially the shot where the camera pulled back to reveal the occupants attire).
You can compare this to movies like "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986) ASIN: 6300214753 and "Sixteen Candles" (1984) ASIN: 6300183467, however those films have a more realistic chance of happening. This film is pure fantasy (or some sort of fantasy?)
See Kelly LeBrock again in "Wrongfully Accused" (1998) ASIN: 0790738481as Lauren Goodhue.
45 Good Movie, but lousy DVD
I searched forever for this movie. After paying $30 to a lousy vendor, a vendor that took over 3 weeks to send my order, my patience was worn thin.
No special features!
When I see Weird Science on network TV at least they can show the cut scenes and enhanced soundtrack. This DVD didn't have neither.
The important thing that matters is the reason I bought it.
My VHS tape was worn out and I thought DVD could be the answer. This is a great movie and I had to have it after I threw out my tape.
My advice to movie lovers, get the old movies quickly cause they are hard to find!
46 Maybe the Worst John Hughes Film
"Weird Science" is the story of two teenage boys, Wyatt Donnelly (Ilan Mitchell-Smith) and Garry Wallace (Anthony Michael Hall), who, tired of getting turned down by the girls they go to school with, decide to create their own. They use their computer to put together Lisa (Kelly LeBrock), an incredibly attractive woman that Wyatt and Garry show off to everyone.
In their time with Lisa the boys have many exciting adventures and discover what it means to truly respect one's self. Or something like that.
"Weird Science" is really an excercise in inanity. It is so antithetical to other John Hughes' films as to be unrecognizable as one of his. Without Hall there would be no identifiable Hughes' connection.
The dialog and acting are not anything to recommend this film either. Too often the characters just stand around and mumble some stupid line about this or that trying to hit on something funny.
If you're looking for a good Hughes' film, try "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" or any of the "Vacation" movies. This one is a dud.
47 Weird Science with a touch of lust!
Two hopeless romantics, Gary and Wyatt took a page right off Dr. Frankenstein and created a lovable Barbie doll named Lisa. And all it took, was Wyatt's PC. {with some extra powered help by Wyatt hacking his way into this U.S. master computer government center} ,and some jumper cables hooked up to a Barbie like doll. Now for the revealing moment of truth, Gary & Wyatt wore bras on their heads,while Gary was chanting a ceremonial prayer in Islam at the lifeless doll. Wyatt was going to press the magical button on his keyboard to bring the doll to life. As he did, the strong wind currrents caused by this chain reaction, blew away most of his stuff in his bedroom. To stop this, Gary threw away Wyatt's computer adapter ,which was a birthbay present,out the window. Instantly the wind currents stopped! As they both ducked under Wyatt's desk. The passage door in Wyatt's bedroom blew up to pieces! As they got up to see afterwards, they saw their full of life Barbie doll looking straight towards at them with a baby I'm yours,kind of smile. Dr. Frankenstein chanting, It's Alive, It's Alive! They were so shocked that they were able to pull this off. Til this day, I'm still wondering how they did it! I'm still working on it. If this ever happens to me. Cause I'm optimistic, it will! I won't share my made up love barbie doll with no one! I mean no one! But for now, I'll keep watching Weird Science til I find the missing hypothesis to create some Weird Science of my own with a touch of lust!
48 A comedy is a comedy
This is one of John Hughes' classic 80's comedies with the only member of the 80's rat pack involved being Michael Anthony Hall. But most will immediately recognize Lebrock, the older, experienced beauty that comes to take control of two adolescent high school outcasts. The two quickly become the coolest cats in town via the flattering comments by Lebrock about the two and her mere presence wherever they go. And of course mom and dad just happen to be on vacation, it's the eighties remember? Chet, the older brother, has to be the funniest character.
Pure silliness and innocent, adolescent humor you don't see in movies any longer. Get a copy of the DVD while you can.
49 FOR GOD'S SAKE, WOULD YOU COVER YOURSELF?!
A completely stupid and childish late 80s film about two DORKS who decide to use their computer to build the perfect woman and somehow they succeed. Kelly LeBrock is the perfect woman who comes to them as if by magic. Anthony Michael Hall and Ilan Mitchell Smith are the dorks. You may have seen Hall recently portraying Bill Gates in a tv movie about the development of the computer and software industry. Smith, though, has not been in anything... although I read somewhere that he is married with kids and either goes to college or is teaching in college? I cannot remember. The film is completely ridiculous, far fetched and crazy, but it is fun because you cannot take it seriously. Bill Paxton is hilarious as the militaristic, crude, and overzealous older brother, Chet.
50 Love the movie, but the soundtrack is mucked up
Who's the cheapskate at Universal Pictures/MCA who wouldn't shell out for the soundtrack music of the John Hughes movies of the 80s? SIXTEEN CANDLES is missing lots of tracks (including David Bowie's "Young Americans" and the Sinatra version of "New York, New York"), and WEIRD SCIENCE suffers the excisions of Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman" as well as "Gonna Fly Now (Theme from "Rocky")." Since Hughes usually selected these songs for the sake of humor, their absence (both are substituted with yet another reprise of Oingo Boingo's nifty theme song) is annoying.
That aside, however, WEIRD SCIENCE is an underrated little gem. It has its share of silliness, but there are many memorable lines, and it's arguably Anthony Michael Hall's finest hour as an adolescent schtick-master.
Maltin may not get this movie, but look up Roger Ebert's review on the web, he's one of this flick's few defenders. And once you see it, perhaps you will be too.
51 One of the most quotable movies ever!
Critics be damned! Weird Science is just plain belly laugh funny. One of the greatest scenes in 80's cinema is the bar room scene. There are more quotable lines in that scene alone than in the rest of the film. Anthony Michael Hall is GREAT, Bill Paxton is hilarious...the movie just resonates with a fun attitude.
Critics who question the artistic merits of the movie are missing the point. It's FUNNY! I only OWN my favorite movies on DVD...Shawshank, Young Frankenstein, Amadeus, Sixth Sense, Psycho...and Weird Science.
52 Ev-ry damn night? On the telephone!
Leonard Maltin be damned, this is a great movie! Chet is great, the 80's clothes are great, "time to pay the fiddler!"
53 WHO CAN ASK FOR MORE!
This movie is AMAZING! ..even though I was only a mere 1 year old when it was made...I wish I was the age i am now back then because Ilan Mitchell-Smith is a definate hottie! I think everybody can relate to this movie in one way or another, and come on, you can't sit for more than 2 minutes without laughing! i DEFINATLy suggest this movie to ANYONE willing ot have a good time!
54 Don't fight me Al....
Truly one of the great 80's flicks! Although I loved Lisa meeting "The Parents" and the great blues bar scene, it's hard to single out any part of this movie as the best - I don't think there's 30 seconds where you won't find yourself at least chuckling. Like some other reviewers, my sister and I have spent the last 10+ years using one liners from the movie on each other - usually to the bewilderment of those around us! Along with Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller, this is a definite must-have for any of us who were teenagers in the 80's!
55 Very classic, VERY sexy.
watch the pianist during the big party. she is playing the piano when suddely the fireplace becomes a vacuum and she grabs on to a bar only to have her clothing SUCKED OFF!
56 Weird science:The best movie ever made...
This little John Hughes movie is got to the be the best movie of the 80s.Just the whole movie is incredible to watch.Anthony Micheal Hall is perfect has one of the teenage nerds that create a woman useing science-Weird science.Nerds Gary and Wyatt are social outcasts-that is untill they create Lisa,a computer-genarated woman.That one weekend turns into one of the funniest 1 hour and 40 minutes ever filmed in motion picure history.So,if you want to see a movie with HUMOR rent or buy weird science.
57 totally awesomr that will have you rolling with laughter
I absolutely love this 80's movie, it is such a great thing to own.I saw it on 80's week, and would love to own it.It is surprising and totally cool.Hall and LeBrock are amazing
58 We're not joking, ABSOLUTE CLASSIC.
This movie defined the use of one-liners. For the past decade now I have used lines from this movie. It is Anthony Micheal Hall that makes this film such a strong comedy. And if you want to see Bill Paxton at his earliest and best (his Aliens lines were pretty cool too), then this film is a must. Please, introduce this movie to your teenage children. You'll find yourselves slow motioning the toilet scene for sure..... Will somebody please tell me what Chet says to Wyatt from upstairs? It sounds like: "Yo Wyatt, you down there?" Can't be sure though...
59 A classic if there ever was one.
This movie rocks! This movie caters to mainly teens, but I am sure that the young at heart will still love this one too. In short, it is mainly a teen fantasy movie sure, but overall it is the best one that I have ever seen in my lifetime. You haven't seen a movie till you have experienced this.
P.S. Lisa is VERY hot!!!
60 party's over said the girl!
oh man. so classic. everyone hit it on the nose with the one-liners. michael-hall is absolutely brilliant with his delivery, and his drunk episode in the bar is one of the funniest moments from 1980s film. i bust a gut every time. again, leonard maltin is too old or too concerned with the craft of film to truly appreciate some funny shtuff! disregard his review, please, and watch this flick! especially if you're a fellow child of the 80s!
61 THE "MOTHERLODE OF ONE-LINERS" MOVIE!!!!!
I have over 700 movies in my video library, and this is the 3rd copy of this movie that I have purchased...the first two needed replaced from excessive playback and furious rewinding of the many scenes that leave you HOWLING with laughter!! Mitchell-Smith (Wyatt) can't even contain himself while delivering his lines and is on the verge of hysterical laughter in nearly every scene he is in...For over ten years, my sister and I have delivered one-liners from this movie to each other and the resultant giggles have been worth every dollar I have spent in keeping a fresh copy of this wonderful movie on my shelf for all these years. A MUST-SEE!!!!! (Even if you've never "dropped wolf-bait or floated an air-biscuit in the bathroom when there's chicks outside"!!)
62 Here da kemper.....
I loved this movie. It's a classic and a must have. LeBrock and Hall are amazing. With great key lines and kind of cheesey effects this is a awesome movie for it's time. It blows away all of the other movies from the 80s. Except for the breakfast club. Buy this movie!
63 funny, funny, funny
This movie is just as good as Pretty in Pink, Breakfast cLub and sixteen candles(which I recommend to EVERYONE!). It has Anthony Michael Hall which adds to the humour. If you get the chance, see it. DEFINATELY!!!!
64 Chips, Dips, Chains, Whips - It's Purely Sexual!
Top class timeless entertainment - we're not talking candle wax on the nipples!
65 He doesn't even have his license Lisa!
This is absolutely the best movie of the 1980's. It has produced more great one liners than any other movie I have seen. In a group of people it would be nearly impossible to not get a laugh from someone if you blurted out one of these lines. The other great part of this film is that Wyatt mentions the best city in the U.S. - Cincinnati.
66 One of the funniest movies - my 80's fave!
Full of great lines and silly antics that any person young at heart will love! Just watch it!
67 My 80's Favorite !
Full of memorable quotes that will be a part of my life forever. Watching this movie really brings me back to trends and fashions of the 80's when I did most of my growing up. Great flick to watch with my malaka friends you know what I mean Dino? BBNET
68 80's Classic in 90's Format
Weird Science is one of the many movies that Gen-Xers like myself have learned to appreciate over the years. I personally have seen it about 100 times and I can honestly say that I probably enjoy it more now than I ever have. It is not going to knock "Titanic" off of any best-seller lists but as far as campy 80's comedies go, it is way up towards the top of the list along with most of the other movies that the brilliant John Hughes gave to us. It moves quickly, it is hysterically funny and it is timeless. I will be still be watching this movie with my friends when I am 80 years old.
69 One word .......................................... CLASSIC
Weird Science follows in the classic John Hughes style. Although it is not an Academy Award winning film, it is still hard to believe that he wrote the film in only 2 days. Weird Science plays on all of the insecurities and fantasies which go along with teen life. One of Bill Paxton's earliest roles, as Chet, is hysterical in his torturing relationship with his brother. The motorcycle gang scene at the end is unforgettable. This is truly a CLASSIC.
70 I can't help loving this movie ....
Well , it's true : the subject , the title , everything AROUND the movie seem to tell you : "If your 12 or older , don't even think about watching it". But you would miss something : Weird science is a crazy movie : Of course , it's highly unbelievable (2 teenagers create a dream woman with their computer), but you can't help loving it because , exactly like "Ferris Bueller Day's Off' directed by Jonh Hugues too , it makes you laugh and shows the best moment in life : when you're a teenager and life's just a game...
71 Ridiculous, but a classic for teens in the 80's
One of the most quoted of movies by anyone who came of age in the 80's, alongside another Hughes/Anthony Michael Hall classic, Sixteen Candles. This may be its only redeeming quality, but that's all it needs. Perhaps only surpassed in quotable lines by Caddyshack.
72 Great for some people
This movie is very good in my opionion. (but many people will say the exact opposite) The acting leaves a little bit to be desired. Bill Paxton stands out, adding the funnier parts of the movie. I think that this movies will apeal mainly to the age ranges 11 - 18 and nearly anyone over these ages will find it a stupid and immature movie. I give it 5 stars, Check It Out!
