Genius

About Genius

'Genius' is a TV-G rated film from 1999 that centers on Charlie Boyle, a 14-year-old physics whiz-kid with a passion for hockey. Charlie is so bright that he starts college to study with a world-renowned scientist. However, he feels like an outcast and struggles with the social dynamics in his new environment. His situation begins to change when he meets a girl his own age and enlists in the local junior high using the alter ego "Chaz Anthony," playing the part of a rebellious bad boy. Charlie manages his double life successfully for a while, but soon enough, his two worlds intersect and he has to use his love for physics and hockey to salvage the situation, restore his friendships and win back his friends.

Making / Production

The movie 'Genius' was produced by Disney and directed by Rod Daniel. The screenplay was the work of John Rieck and was filmed in Canada. The production perfectly encapsulated the inherent tension of a double life and highlighted the perspective of intelligent young people who struggle to find their place in the world.

Actors

• Trevor Morgan played the lead role of Charlie Boyle/Chaz Anthony with an impressive display of range, convincingly switching between a brilliant scientist and a cheeky schoolboy.
• Emmy Rossum portrayed the role of the girl Charlie falls for. Her character added depth and complexity to the storyline.
• Charles Fleischer brought the character of Dr. Krickstein, Charlie's college physics professor, to life with his eccentric and comedic performance.

Trivia / Interesting Facts about it

• The movie was filmed in Toronto, Canada although the setting was supposedly Boston, Massachusetts.
• Genius premiered on The Wonderful World of Disney. It was then aired multiple times on Disney Channel.

Quotes

• "Physics is the harmonies of the universe. Discover the harmonies and you discover the universe."
• "Sometimes you just have to make the hard pass."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's soundtrack contains lively and youthful songs that accentuate the movie's youthful and playful tones. It features songs from various indie and upcoming artists of that time period.