If I Had Known I Was a Genius
If I Had Known I Was a Genius

If I Had Known I Was a Genius

2007Movie102 minEnglish

A teenager with a high I.Q. who decides to become an actor. When his TV show gets cancelled, he is faced with a difficult career choice.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb5.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes39%
Metacritic46/100
Google Users57%
Director: Demetri MartinGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A socially awkward and intellectually gifted high school student, Michael, struggles to fit in and feels unappreciated by his family and peers. When he gets fired from his job at a pizza place, he embarks on a series of misguided attempts to prove his genius, leading to comical and often disastrous consequences. The film follows his journey of self-discovery as he navigates teenage angst, first love, and the challenges of finding his place in the world.

Critical Reception

The film received mixed to negative reviews from critics, with many finding its humor hit-or-miss and its narrative unfocused. While some appreciated Demetri Martin's unique comedic voice and the film's quirky charm, others felt it failed to fully realize its potential.

What Reviewers Say

  • Demetri Martin's blend of stand-up and narrative is hit-or-miss.
  • The film offers moments of genuine wit but struggles with pacing and a cohesive plot.
  • A quirky, if somewhat uneven, exploration of intelligence and social awkwardness.

Google audience: Audience reception was divided, with some appreciating the unique comedic style and relatable themes of feeling like an outsider, while others found the humor too dry or the story lacking in direction.

Fun Fact

Demetri Martin wrote, directed, and starred in the film, drawing heavily from his own experiences and observational humor.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review