Movies Under the Microscope: Real Genius (1985)

The Natural History Museum's 80s sci-fi series returns on Thursday, October 22, with Real Genius (1985), the campus comedy about a laser project that turns out to have a darker purpose. It is one of the more unusual things happening in Los Angeles this week, because the film comes with a science panel built in.

What the night looks like

Doors open at 6 PM. Until 7:30 PM there is a pre-screening activation in the lobby: a live all-vinyl 80s DJ set from mikecmusic, items pulled from the museum's History Collection, and pop-ups from Fanbase Press and 1984 Vintage. The Commons Cafe, run by South LA Cafe, stays open until 7:30 PM too.

At 7:30 PM the film starts in the Commons Theater. Afterward comes a discussion about what 80s sci-fi got right and what it got hilariously wrong. The film follows Mitch Taylor, a young science whiz who arrives at Pacific Tech and teams up with senior Chris Knight, played by Val Kilmer. Martha Coolidge, who also directed Valley Girl, made the movie.

Who is on the panel

• Dr. David Saltzberg, UCLA professor of physics and astronomy and a science consultant on The Big Bang Theory and Oppenheimer
• Cody Ziglar, comic and writer for Futurama and Rick and Morty
• Jason Patrick Galit, lead consultant for InterMyth and pop culture educator
• Beth Werling, senior collections manager of history at the museum

Joel Quizon of the museum moderates.

Tickets and getting there

Tickets are $25 general admission and $20 for museum members, with free parking included for ticket holders in the museum car park. That makes it a reasonable pick when you are scanning for things to do in Los Angeles on a weeknight and want more than a standard movie theater.

The museum sits in Exposition Park at 900 Exposition Blvd. The series is a good fit for anyone who likes film trivia with a real scientist in the room, and the lobby reception makes the early arrival worth it. If you are building a list of upcoming events in Los Angeles, this one pairs well with a look at our other arts and culture picks.

The museum's own calendar page has the latest ticketing details.

When: Thursday, October 22, 2026, 6 PM doors, 7:30 PM screening Where: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles Price: $25 general admission, $20 for members