Siskel & Ebert - Weird Science (1985)

Ebert: "You're gone WAY overboard on this one, Gene." Directed by John Hughes (edited due to copyright)

[@jeremygill2409]

Hahaha! Siskel was such a square. When you were 14 years old and watched this movie in the theater...it was gold. You know what? I watched it again the other night on HBO, and it was still funny now that I’m 48. Ebert was so right on this one!

[@its6696]

Yep.I'm 52 and it's still funny.

[@NZJudd]

That's how it usually went. Siskel was uptight, he didn't like action films in general, he didn't like 'toilet' humor in general, etc. His 'favorite' action scene of all time wasn't even an action scene, it was one of the fight sequences from Raging Bull. I always said you can't be a good film critic if you think entire genres of film are beneath you - and that was Siskel.

[@allnamesaretakenful]

My mom didn't like "toilet humor" and she loved Weird Science.

[@stevewyche5232]

Yep and every teenager like me at the time did have an answer to kelly lebrock's what would you little maniacs like to do next?

[@misscleo378]

Siskel critiqued movies like an art critic. He didn’t care if the overall piece was nice to look at, if it was too pedestrian, he’d give it a thumbs down. Ebert could enjoy a silly movie for what it was worth, to make you laugh. Boy, do I miss them.

[@ocsspot]

Aaaand 32 years later. Still a comedy classic!

[@russc.9618]

Absolutely!

[@BullToTheShit]

Their disagreements is what often made their show so great. I miss them both.

[@footofjuniper8212]

Gene: "I liked 'The Howling' when it came to vampire films...". Werewolves, Gene. It was about werewolves.

[@magnumhadmama]

I liked 'Popeye' when it came to space movies.

[@2taggs2]

Total B.S., Gene. The sexist part is wrong -- "Lisa" stands up for herself and kicks a lot of ass if you mess with her... not to mention, she is the smartest character in the film.

[@chrisjenkins963]

In the way the movie plays out I think it's ridiculous to call the film sexist, but the actions of the boys at the beginning of the movie are definitely sexist. What I think makes the movie great is how Hughes took an idea that IS obviously sexist--creating an ideal woman to satisfy sexual urges and be obedient--and stripped that idea of it's actuality by empowering Le Brock's character. Not only does she have a domineering personality and mind of her own but she also becomes their savior.

[@mattevans923]

Nick Jasper "Parp 💨"

[@gyromurphy]

Nick Jasper he's just doing what people do best...pander to feminists

[@Marky11694]

Funnier that he calls the movie sexist but still has a problem with Lisa having a mind of her own as if she supposed to just be Eye Candy

[@botz77]

Siskel calling Weird Science "unimaginative" is pretty hilarious. This movie is the definition of imaginative.

[@sevensolaris]

How could Gene not like the scene at the club? That was classic cinema.

[@irregularjoe5631]

Classic. Period. Classic 100 years from now. A time capsule of one of my personal best decades. The 1980s.

[@biffbifford402]

One of my favorite movies of all time. Sooooooo many classic lines. Soooooo funny. AMH was amazing. Love love love this movie.

[@MeMyselfI_69]

Roger is right this film is a classic

[@ThomasFromTN]

This movie is a classic the way "Karate Kid" is a classic. What even makes a movie a classic?

[@thespaceram2879]

@@ThomasFromTN it was also made a series.

[@unstoppableExodia]

Roger Ebert knows where it's at. I first watched weird science when I was in high school during the nineties and the premise of the movie was so engaging at the time that I didn't even notice some of the unconvincing and flat performances in some of the characters. Nor did the crudeness of this movie bother me that much back then because I was entranced by Kelly LeBrock's beauty. Watching it now it looks severely dated. Teenage lust is timeless but everything else about it has aged terribly yet the talent of Rob Downy Jr and the late Bill Paxton shine thru.

[@shack8110]

It's a ridiculous farce, and Bill Paxton, Robert Downey and AMH are hilarious for every second.

[@vman358]

Yep

[@waynemazique6556]

Roger was on point.

[@jetshull]

🀄️one of the best movies from the 80's.

[@crheath2001]

When they did a special segment on John Hughes later in the year, Ebert admitted he was alone in his opinion on Weird Science.

[@shack8110]

Not in my home. My family laughed harder at this film than almost any other. Bill Paxton was hilarious every second.

[@ronaldshank7589]

It figures. Gene Siskel was definitely wrong on this...and on calling "The Howling" a "Vampire Movie". The Howling was a WEREWOLF MOVIE, Gene!!! Sometimes, I think that Roger Ebert should've been reviewing these movies by himself, because, at times, Gene Siskel didn't seem to have a clue as to what he was talking about!!!

[@leew1598]

It shouldn't matter if you're alone in an opinion, going with the crowd is the worst possible thing a critic could do. I imagine for myself one of the problems with it was that people went into it after two previous films with more heart and realism The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles. Weird Science though is more of a silly sex comedy. The premise itself is so ridiculous it shows the film isn't taking anything seriously.

[@777jones]

@@ronaldshank7589 a werewolf movie is basically a type of “vampire movie” which is probably what he meant.

[@mousehead2000]

Siskel looked like Gary's dad. That's why he didn't like this movie.

[@thequake180]

lol they could be twins! Both are the biggest party poopers ever.

[@uppercutgrandma4425]

Lols

[@MrMurphy81]

Hahhahahah

[@allthingshollywood2620]

He is rating it as garbage because he can't remember the character Anthony Michael Hall was supposed to play.

[@thespaceram2879]

Hey wait a minute he does look like him.

[@jacobjones5269]

Gene never leaned that all movies aren't intended to be high theatre... If a movie can stay true to the goals it tries to accomplish, then it can be entertaining no matter what genre is represented.. When a movie tries to do too much is when it gets convoluted and messy.. This movie was funny, and a lot of fun, and that makes it good entertainment, period.. Thumbs up!..

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

Indeed, movies have different goals, sometimes they're more high minded, but most of the time the goal is to keep an audience entertained long enough to justify paying for a ticket. It wasn't until the '80s when people started to get VCRs that they needed to make movies good enough that people would want to watch them more than once and pay to do so as up until that point you had to count on a rerelease to theaters or for the movie to show up on TV.

[@ericjam6346]

Gene's favorite movie was Saturday Night fever. Pretty far from high theatre.

[@jmua8450]

Roger Ebert is sorely missed.

[@jacksonthescorp6324]

One of the classics from my youth. Love it to this day and it's aged pretty well..."that's the truth, baby, that's the plain truth."

[@djlcruze]

I'd have to go with Roger, this movie still cracks me up after 33 years!!

[@fearisthemind-killer]

Siskel may have been off about this movie but believe me when I tell you that Siskel & Ebert were the dream team back in the day when it came to movie reviews. It would be awesome to have them now with a KZbin channel of their own.

[@tamathawalden2037]

U get it !! 🤟

[@todds.6028]

The S&E slogan should've been "Well I actually liked this film more than you did, Gene"

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

I think it's interesting watching these reviews decades later and seeing to what extent the reviews held up. Personally, I think Roger was right here and it's probably why they made it into a TV series.

[@JeffroNoNothing]

Gene Siskel was "crazy insane"!

[@seanysean6183]

for this lil 80s comedy flick...i'm talking nuts fo da movie

[@SonnyGTA]

That was a VERY very funny comment!!! 10,000 points!!!

[@BackwoodsFilms]

Insane? Crazy? Yer stewed, buttwad!

[@justinhensley9067]

CRAZY???? INSANE???

[@michaelbanaszak7775]

Gary's parents were hilarious!

[@thomasbaron5367]

I miss Roger Ebert.

[@booknooky9436]

His thumb lives on in every comment section, that's why I give u 👎

[@jimjones4838]

so do i, ebert was the best critic RIP.. siskel was so clueless

[@scottjulie27]

Thank you, Mr. Ebert. To me, "Weird Science" was the funniest of all the John Hughes' films. Especially the bar scene. :)))

[@navbuoy]

I loved Paxton the most in this flick but Uncle Buck is another contender for wall to wall laughs...Planes, Trains and Automobiles is up there too.

[@scottjulie27]

ATXs Navbuoy I love “Uncle Buck”, too. :)))

[@tamathawalden2037]

Culkin great in that and I don't like him

[@Danimal77]

I loved this movie as a kid.

[@sibylsaint]

I just finished watching it for the first time in 20 years and I already miss Lisa.

[@jefduf]

My favorite movie of all time.

[@Littleneddygtw]

Gosh I respect that take

[@jokerdaredevil5659]

Yeah!!!!! My guy Ebert!!!!

[@AC-mt9mg]

I imagined Gene not even looking forward to it, he's always been uptight, but his reaction was expected Expected and loved Ebert's response

[@pdottie212fu]

One of the times I actually agree with Ebert...... I love Weird Science.

[@craigharrell7144]

Me and mu buddies went and saw this and were howling with laughter. We went and saw it again the following weekend.

[@aztecwarrior9511]

I think the movie shows how Kelly's character was always aware of the teenagers advances and what was on their mind, but she never really allowed it to affect her, she actually trolled them in a funny way. It is natural to treat the opposite sex with wonder as well as treat them as the other, but she showed them she was more than what they fantasized about and actually learned from her. Not every woman is willing to see how underdeveloped certain males are due to a lack of socialization with the opposite sex, but at least Kelly entertained while at the same time was confident in her own skin as well and didn't let her beauty define who she was

[@Anonymous-iq3kc]

Excellent, iconic film.

[@kentkatchem]

Siskel was always a dweeb.. this is a Classic ! LOVED this movie and still do to this day! :)

[@YouCantHoldOnTooLong]

I'm glad to know Roger Ebert gave this movie a thumb up! It's a classic eighties flick and I've always really liked it! ~Dutch

[@gyromurphy]

wow great find!

[@Geotpf]

Ebert always liked a little sexual humor. Remember, he wrote the screenplay for Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.

[@texanperry]

Ebert: "You're gone WAY overboard on this one, Gene." No kidding, the dude was uptight. I agree with Roger on this one. The movie was funny throughout the movie and yes, Lisa, playing the perfect woman does teach the boys a lesson which made the movie even better in my opinion. "You had to be big shots didn't you. You had to show off. When are you gonna learn that people will like you for who you are, not for what you can give them."

[@shanekemp8583]

ONE OF MY FAVORITES

[@Azav312]

Gene..... YOU NERD!!! IDC of this is 30+ years later.... One more time NEEEERRRRDDDDD!!!!

[@KRS2000]

It a rarity that I agree with Roger Ebert. One year later, Gene and Roger were the total opposite when they reviewed Blue Velvet.

[@missyotsuba8508]

Maybe not the best movie to come out that year. But it's now a cult classic. If you like this movie then I urge you to buy the remastered BluRay. It's taken from the 2K negative and looks amazing. You also get a few different versions. The uncut version. The theatrical version and the edited for TV version. Just in case you want to watch it with your kids. But it also has a few different commentary track. And a load of 'behind the scenes' extras. When I bought it it was £6.99, around $10... That's a bargain for just how much stuff you get.

[@kevinhoffman8112]

I'm with Gene Siskel on this one. Never thought this movie was very funny.

[@mrdorf2784]

Ebert has sense of humour. Good man.

[@hoyboys1000]

I LOVED IT!

[@jameshudson169]

yes, i remember this. i remember it as BOTH hating it. my apologies, ebert.

[@michaellavoie4555]

Gene is a prude!

[@citygirl5705]

Apparently, Gene forgot what it was like to be a kid. I can pretty much guarantee that all socially awkward high school boys loved this movie.

[@tbirum]

I was 13 going on 14 when this movie came out LOVED IT as did all of my friends, the film wasn't made for guys like Gene it was made for teens (and guys like Ebert)

[@Mr.Goodkat]

I seen it when I was very very close to high school and hated it.

[@babybird871]

I was awkward in high school and didn`t find it funny...I was already a movie snob though....

[@Friarjohn1971]

Siskel was too old to enjoy this movie I was a teenager and I loved it. Ebert was right this movie was hilarious. This is a classic. “She’s into Malakas you know.”

[@trimbandit9636]

He would have been 39, if my math is right. I'm 51 and I still think this movie is hilarious.

[@tomblinzig7307]

Ebert is the man.

[@timfarney5165]

I agreed with Roger, it was very funny then, it is STILL funny.

[@ademaya4773]

This movie was hilarious! Roger was on point!

[@shack8110]

Cor! Bill Paxton stole this movie. It was hilarious.

[@lunam7249]

mar 2024 roger ebert stands the test if time..a classic movie in comedian!!

[@MrKaywyn]

I think it's funny, clever, uplifting and wonderfully wacky.

[@elijahperez6506]

Oh come on man! Easily in my top 10 movies ever.

[@holiday197]

It wasn’t on the same level as The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Sixteen Candles and Planes, Trains and Automobiles but it’s still an enjoyable film that I would rewatch from time to time.

[@Fakeaorta]

I liked it a lot, but 'Weird Science' is definitely on the bottom end of John Hughes movies.

[@tamathawalden2037]

@@Fakeaorta No ,middle better than sixteen & PT&A

[@joekerry741]

Most people would pick The Breakfast Club or Ferris Bueller's Day Off as their two favourite John Hughes directed films but mine will always be Weird Science and Uncle Buck

[@christopherbayne9061]

I can't believe it. Roger got it right for a change. Love that movie.

[@thomasreay4713]

ah the 80 the good old days when this m9vie was concidered bad i wonder what gene would have thinked about movis in 2017 i love this movie never gets old

[@philipzamora4259]

He seemed to relax a bit during the 90s. He loved There's Something About Mary.

[@richardmontano2701]

Ebert! My man!

[@yeno5257]

I definitely had an answer to that question as a teen maniac when this came out

[@chriscornelius2518]

I always viewed her as the strongest person in the film.

[@tamathawalden2037]

Anybody would & Chet !!! 🤣

[@marcopervo]

Gene had a such sissified perspective on a funny, over-the-top movie. The ridiculousness of it’s premise was the point.

[@jamesvolpe3581]

Very good 80s movie!!!

[@ESPIRITUS_A]

When do we get to review the Roger Ebert biopic?

[@18kehawkin]

Roger-“you’re sounding like the parents committee.“ That’s exactly right. Siskel is a tight ass.

[@thomasbaron5367]

The Howling is a vampire film? Who knew? Lol xD

[@elvis316]

This is when tv was in super low def .

[@reactions5783]

It never looked this bad when it was broadcast. Some of the transfer methods people use introduce terrible artifacts and low bit-rates.

[@NEELSAN76]

I fucking love this movie!

[@Mr22thou]

That was a funny argument!

[@Notturnoir]

This movie has good parts but misses if you watch it straight through. Kelly Lebrock was amazing, so was Chet and the kids.

[@ihbarddx]

Well... Humor is personal. If you don't find the humor in a comedy, it falls flat. That's why I hesitate to recommend comedies, even when I enjoy them.

[@EthelredHardrede-nz8yv]

Guess just which of them is the geek. Roger.

[@arianprofit]

4:49 that summed it up

[@eriqqusbrowun1084]

Best top movie drama of the 80s should be: Dream Mongers, BMX Bandits, North Shore, Color Of Night, Jagged Edge, Pipeline, Testament, and Hot Pursuit.

[@lau_dhondt]

Five bags of popcorn

[@radioactive_moose]

“I liked The Howling when it came to vampire films”. - Gene Siskel

[@patrickshields5251]

I guess he disliked Fright Night so much that he forgot that The Howling is a werewolf movie.

[@SonnyGTA]

Funny...they had no idea they were watching future iconic movies!!!!

[@milesbeck140]

roger is right, this movie is funny and entertaining

[@DeVstatrOmga]

Siskel was clearly wrong. Film’s comedic genius still stands the test of time and we’re days away from the year 2022.

[@patrickc3419]

I never saw the actor who played Wyatt in another movie.

[@danmoore6321]

Another classic Siskel didn't like. NO TASTE

[@philipzamora4259]

Interesting how people say differently about Siskel when it comes to most Tim Burton movies.

[@booknooky9436]

He was ahead of his time

[@judsongaiden9878]

They didn't talk about Oingo Boingo's most excellent theme song? Which Danny Elfman doesn't like for some reason, I might add. Maybe he's a "demented perfectionist" like Stanley Kubrick.

[@tamathawalden2037]

She's Alive !!💋

[@iamcopperhead]

It turns out to be a true love story given the fact that Kelly LeBrock character Lisa helps the boys find true love by sticking up for themselves and being true to who they are

[@faersy]

I'm probably somewhere in the middle of Gene and Roger's opinions this one

[@ifragisk]

Gene is way off. "Porno with a social conscious"? Tons of anal jokes? It's not like that at all. However, he is right that more could have been done with the script. There are some amazing themes that don't get worked on enough. What if they could only see Lisa's world in their dreams or through virtual reality and have to go back to crappy school every morning, slowly improving their social habits based on what they learn from her? What if their friendship is challenged because they both love Lisa? What could Lisa learn from the boy's? Instead we get inconsequential things like the black bar scene. Imagine if all of the issues I talked about had to be resolved at the party, instead of looking at weird biker dudes and missiles. And there would still be plenty of sexual humor left to work with in the film, forget Gene. In terms of the acting, Anthony Michael Hall and Kelly LeBrock do very well. Ilan Mitchell-Smith came off a bit monotone and needed better body movement in many of the scenes. However, he did have some good moments too. Plus he is an adorable kid and he does a lot of little smiles similar to what Jerry Seinfeld does in his show when he says a funny line. This "cute" performance gives him a pass in this role because it adds a bit of realism to the film - a kind of authenticity as the kid next door. But Mitchell-Smith would need to be a better actor for future work. He did improve a lot in The Chocolate Factory a few years later but did not continue acting much after that. I understand why, it's just not his thing. Good movie overall.

[@robinsss]

Gene had no sense of humor----------------------- Kelly was supposed to be making the parents be more relaxed about the party by saying it will be pizza and soda but instead she said it will it will be chips dips chains and whips----------------- that was funny

[@gailwebb9619]

Anthony Michael Hall is beyond hilarious in the blues bar....smoking a cigar and talking about his 8th grade girlfriend...and who can forget how funny Bill Paxton was as Chet? Yes, there were sexist remarks all through the movie but even as a woman I didn’t find them offensive. I was laughing too hard to mind any of those remarks.

[@BNatoAk]

The howling wasn't a vampire movie Siskel!

[@tamathawalden2037]

The Great John Hughes of Course made " Better " films than this , Actually Looking Classics , BUT Never one this Funny 🤣 The Blues Bar scene , Lisa laying the law on Gary's parents are laugh riots !! Not to mention Bill Paxton's ,RIP, Hilarious older Brother Chet !!! Only the ending with the Bikers ,to weird , kept this from Great status ! I give it a strong B+ where Breakfast Club & Ferras Bueller are definitely As !!! Also a big shout out to Some Kind Of Wonderful with is a Great Romantic Comedy, A - Long live the 80s !!! 💋💋💋

[@jpalexander292]

I thought Siskel would like this and Ebert would be the party pooper but wow was I wrong. This movie is just a lot of fun and yes it’s stupid high school kids being stupid high school kids. Great lines, great physical comedy and Robert Downey Jr. playing a great douce bag.

[@marioiacolucci]

It’s on Netflix

[@meganluminais3586]

Hey! This movie came out the same year I was born! Don’t criticize this movie.

[@xybervox]

He says the movie was sexist and yet complains that the woman turned out to have a mind of her own.

[@mrnocal]

Reading the comments, I think people are coming down too hard on Gene Siskel. He didn't like the movie and so what? Critiquing is based on personal opinion. Movies are an art form and subject to opinions. Not everyone has to like every movie you like or love and vice versa. I like Weird Science myself, but he's entitled to his opinion.

[@tamathawalden2037]

🤟🤟🤟

[@colderbeer]

Square Gene just didn't get it....America's youth adored this film....

[@themac9344]

this movie was Great I still know the words to the whole movie I grew watching Weird science they totally sucked as critics they probably were virgins all through high school and we're kept in the house through the years

[@codeoptimizationware2803]

@The MAC: Dude, you couldn't review a movie all about Burger King Happy Meals without fucking it up. Why don't you shut the hell up and say something better.

[@davemiller6055]

Got to go with Roger on this one.

[@eriqqusbrowun1084]

Probably the only 1980s teen pop movies I liked/enjoyed is Uncle Buck, Joysticks, & Gleaming The Cube.

[@Patrick19833]

Gene Siskel had no taste. He also didn't liked Ferris Bueller's Day Off

[@ABQSkywatcher]

Sacrilege!

[@Patrick19833]

Paesito Paez​ How can he give thumb down to that film, but give thumb up to shit like Baby's Day Out and Batman Forever?

[@gyromurphy]

Patrick Lange hmmm....I'm sensing a Nostalgia Critic Fan