If I Had Known I Was a Genius

Watch If I Had Known I Was a Genius

  • R
  • 2007
  • 1 hr 42 min
  • 4.8  (832)

If I Had Known I Was a Genius is a touching and inspiring drama directed by Dominique Wirtschafter. The film was released in 2007 and stars Markus Redmond, Whoopi Goldberg, and Keith David. This heartwarming story follows the journey of a young man, Joshua, who discovers his exceptional intellectual abilities and eventually learns to embrace his true potential.

The movie opens with a glimpse into the life of Joshua, a 17-year-old African American boy living in the Los Angeles area. Joshua is a shy and introverted teenager who is struggling to fit in at school and feels disconnected from his family. His teacher, Ms. Heywood, recognizes Joshua's superior intelligence and encourages him to participate in a city-wide academic competition.

Despite his self-doubt and fear of failure, Joshua decides to take part in the contest. He goes on to win the competition, shocking himself and everyone around him. This new-found success comes as a complete surprise to Joshua, who has never fully embraced his abilities due to societal pressures and lack of support from his family.

Throughout the movie, we see Joshua's relationships with his parents, peers, and mentors evolve as he learns to come to terms with his intelligence. He finds support from his teacher, Ms. Heywood, who recognizes his potential and becomes his mentor. Whoopi Goldberg gives a memorable performance as Ms. Heywood, infusing the character with a sense of warmth and empathy that retains its effect throughout the entire movie.

Markus Redmond, who plays Joshua, delivers a heartfelt performance that manages to capture the complexity and vulnerability of the character. He manages to portray Joshua's inner struggles and insecurities with a raw, authentic emotionality that draws the viewer in.

Keith David plays Joshua's father, who is grappling with his own insecurities and personal demons. Joshua's father is a former musician who is now working as a carpenter. David delivers a moving performance, portraying the character's complex emotions with subtlety and nuance.

If I Had Known I Was a Genius is a movie that focuses on relationships and personal struggles, rather than on action or plot twists. The film's central message is about believing in oneself and embracing one's potential. The movie touches upon themes such as self-discovery, identity, and the importance of education in personal growth.

The film also deals with issues of race and class, exploring how these factors can impact an individual's access to educational opportunities and perceptions of their intelligence. The portrayal of Joshua as an African American teenager adds another layer of complexity to the story, making it more relatable to a broader audience.

Overall, If I Had Known I Was a Genius is a feel-good movie that leaves the viewer feeling inspired and uplifted. The performances by Markus Redmond, Whoopi Goldberg, and Keith David are nuanced and powerful, and the script is well-written and engaging. The movie's central message of self-belief and the importance of education is executed with grace and sensitivity. This movie is a must-watch for anyone who needs a reminder about the transformative power of education and self-discovery.

If I Had Known I Was a Genius
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Description
  • Release Date
    2007
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 42 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    4.8  (832)