Not everyone will be interested in YOUNG EINSTEIN because it's too goofy and offbeat for their liking. It's a smart, reasonable production from an Aussie with an imaginative sense of humor. Who believed history would have changed with the invention of rock-and-roll music in 1906? We all know in real life that Albert Einstein didn't create a math formula for electric guitar noises, but this is a satiric approach to a world-famous individual who came up with E-equals-emcee-squared. Then again, Yahoo Serious might have invented kitty-kat pies! A very unique, and practical talent from the guy. Take it or leave it.
56 Reviews
I Think He Owns A Saucepan
daveisit7 December 2000
As a writer, director, and lead role in this movie, Yahoo Serious not only made a lot of money, he made a great movie. "Young Einstein" entertains children, and is off beat enough for adults to enjoy too. The slightly sarcastic direction, and good soundtrack should be enough for everyone to give it a chance.
Whew . . . This movie . . .
PatrickH-23 August 1999
Young Einstein bounces back and forth between the heights of imagination and creativity and the absolute depths of ludicrous vulgarity like no other film I have ever seen. The plot, in which the eponymous character- transplanted from Germany to Australia- Discovers the theory of relativity in the process of making beer, and "invents" rock and roll (despite the fact that it's only 1906). Im sure there was some sort of satire intended when this was written, but it was definitely lost in the transition from script to celluloid. What remains is a series of scenes that almost amount to a narrative, some of them funny, some definitely not. The only thing that is consisten is the scope of the production- the sets, costumes, and cinematography are all devastatingly beautiful. How so much effort (and, from the looks of things, money) came to be lavished on a story this ridiculous, I will never know. Despite this, I have to applaud the sheer imagination evident in the script, which includes Charles Darwin and Marie Curie as major characters; nonetheless, the elegance and creativity do not compliment the more ridiculous aspects of the film. It certainly is a weird combination, however.
Some creative genius here
grinna6 March 1999
Hats off to Yahoo Serious and his gang. This zany movie is well scripted and well acted. Scenery and costumes and special effects also done to a very high standard.
The humour seems to emanate naturally, and it has its own originality and spontaneity. Science history clashing with Australian heritage is preposterous but this adds to the excitement and energy oozing from the movie.
Legendary movie.
The humour seems to emanate naturally, and it has its own originality and spontaneity. Science history clashing with Australian heritage is preposterous but this adds to the excitement and energy oozing from the movie.
Legendary movie.
Worst Film ever
sljwalk22 January 2004
This film is wacky and zany but just isn't funny. I yawned and cringed my way through it. It truly is the worst film that I have ever seen.
I went to see it at the cinema on the strength of the trailer and persuaded my cousin that it looked better than "Dead Poets Society" which was also showing. That was my crime, it was also my punishment. My cousin still complains about it today.
I went to see it at the cinema on the strength of the trailer and persuaded my cousin that it looked better than "Dead Poets Society" which was also showing. That was my crime, it was also my punishment. My cousin still complains about it today.
Young Einstein: A Bizarre and Frustrating Experience
sundialpictures-016578 August 2020
This film joins the same bizarre league of surreal comedy of which Howard the Duck and The Adventures of Pluto Nash claim membership. You sit there with mouth agape for two hours wondering what the filmmakers were thinking of when they made this film. None of the jokes work because we can't connect with any of them. What does work would work for any two year old: slapstick. The one time I chuckled was when a very large woman tried to get rid of a pan of used dish water and wound up splashing it all over herself. That's one cheap laugh that landed, not because of clever writing or performance, but because somebody did something dumb. The rest of the movie features jokes that made no sense and seemed to have been written by an alien from outer space. The film is populated with wacky characters and a story that you can't follow because you can't stop falling asleep every five minutes. Watching this film is an exercise in frustration. You want to laugh but what you see happening is just so weird that you're just trying to understand it. Normally, I would say that I hated this movie because it was unfunny, but there's something about unusual films like this that are endearing to me. It's because you're never going to see anything like it ever again. That doesn't happen very often. That's where the one star comes from.
I'm actually dumber for having watched this
theworstpirateever15 December 2011
Instead of reading my review, you're actually probably best off reading the reviews for those that rated this movie positively, as you'll note that your head will hurt trying to read them. That's what watching this movie does to you, it makes you write like them.
Young Einstein is a moronic mix of 80s clichés and the kind of dumb, low brow humor that makes Dumb & Dumber and Billy Madison look like Royal Tenenbaums.
I love myself some dumb humor, I can even laugh at some films that most people bash for being extraordinarily stupid like the aforementioned Billy Madison, but this... just no. The jokes are unoriginal, unfunny, and moronic, the characters all behave like complete idiots, and there's really no plot. It's just an excuse for a bunch of terrible puns and poorly done slapstick.
Please, avoid this film, a mind is a terrible thing to waste. There's much less harmful things for your brain out there. Even huffing the paint used for the DVD-cover and case is probably better for your brain cells than watching this.
Young Einstein is a moronic mix of 80s clichés and the kind of dumb, low brow humor that makes Dumb & Dumber and Billy Madison look like Royal Tenenbaums.
I love myself some dumb humor, I can even laugh at some films that most people bash for being extraordinarily stupid like the aforementioned Billy Madison, but this... just no. The jokes are unoriginal, unfunny, and moronic, the characters all behave like complete idiots, and there's really no plot. It's just an excuse for a bunch of terrible puns and poorly done slapstick.
Please, avoid this film, a mind is a terrible thing to waste. There's much less harmful things for your brain out there. Even huffing the paint used for the DVD-cover and case is probably better for your brain cells than watching this.
You got to love the idea
basrutten20 February 2002
"Young Einstein" is not a great movie. It's not really a good movie either. But it's an original, low-budget and very likeable movie.
Of course, it's all complete nonsense. The plot involves Yahoo Serious splitting beer atoms, inventing the electric violin and the surfing board, running into the cute Marie Curie and having a very bad hair day, and is of course full of anachronisms and other factual errors.
But does that really matter? No, of course not. This movie takes a very light and novel approach to making a movie about science. Not all the jokes are good. In fact, most are pretty bad. But at least most of them are original. And the parts were Young Einstein explains some concepts of relativity are great !
The only explanation I can give for the low rating this movie currently has is that most people simply don't understand the jokes. If you don't know what splitting an atom is, and if you don't know that beer-atoms are none-existent, then you probably hate this movie. Otherwise, it's worth a look.
**1/2 out of **** stars
Of course, it's all complete nonsense. The plot involves Yahoo Serious splitting beer atoms, inventing the electric violin and the surfing board, running into the cute Marie Curie and having a very bad hair day, and is of course full of anachronisms and other factual errors.
But does that really matter? No, of course not. This movie takes a very light and novel approach to making a movie about science. Not all the jokes are good. In fact, most are pretty bad. But at least most of them are original. And the parts were Young Einstein explains some concepts of relativity are great !
The only explanation I can give for the low rating this movie currently has is that most people simply don't understand the jokes. If you don't know what splitting an atom is, and if you don't know that beer-atoms are none-existent, then you probably hate this movie. Otherwise, it's worth a look.
**1/2 out of **** stars
Worst Movie Ever
pworlton9 September 2010
The words: stupid, boring, senseless, and unfunny come to mind.
I can find something positive to say about most movies, but this is the only movie I've ever walked out of in my 43 years of life.
The problem is primarily with the script, but having Yahoo Serious telegraphing every (questionable) punchline doesn't help. Essentially, the entire movie revolves around this nut-bag splitting the beer atom. Assuming you can suspend belief in the periodic table, the entire script doggedly revolves around the impossible premise, which does nothing to enhance the unlikely and inane adventures of the thoroughly unlikable, obviously-deficient (but supposedly genius) slacker, Yahoo Serious, as he attempts to patent the discovery.
If your IQ is higher than 50, do NOT see this movie.
I can find something positive to say about most movies, but this is the only movie I've ever walked out of in my 43 years of life.
The problem is primarily with the script, but having Yahoo Serious telegraphing every (questionable) punchline doesn't help. Essentially, the entire movie revolves around this nut-bag splitting the beer atom. Assuming you can suspend belief in the periodic table, the entire script doggedly revolves around the impossible premise, which does nothing to enhance the unlikely and inane adventures of the thoroughly unlikable, obviously-deficient (but supposedly genius) slacker, Yahoo Serious, as he attempts to patent the discovery.
If your IQ is higher than 50, do NOT see this movie.
Corny but funny
sunflowerspoom14 April 2004
I just saw the movie on Starz. Although it was corny and I can see why many didn't like it, I just couldn't stop laughing. Whether the jokes were good or bad, I laughed and that is good enough for me to say it was good. I was also surprised by how well done it was. I mean the quality was excellent. I guess if I was in a bad mood the movie wouldn't be half as good, but I thought it to be very enjoyable and would recommend for a movie for the parents and kids to enjoy. Of course everything in it is historically incorrect but that's the fun part. I give Yahoo Serious a lot of credit for making this a good flick. But I wouldn't go as far to say it was the best movie of all time and a beautiful piece of art but a movie doesn't have to be beautiful to be good. I at least got a rise out of it and would rather watch this 20 times than to see Justin and Kelly. I hope whoever is interested or already saw it will/did too.
Simple minded
jordondave-2808521 July 2023
(1989) Young Einstein
COMEDY
Co-written, directed and co-produced by a person who has an unusual name called 'Yahoo Serious' whose inventive ideology is supposedly shown through this film as Albert Einstein of Australia who eventually wins the most prettiest girl. Thank goodness another movie of him wasn't released here again (if there ever was one) for it's movie debut in North America was a huge flop. It's silly, idiotic beyond belief and at times quite painful to watch for it was never funny for it's cheap gags which is nothing but self-indulgent tripe. Excruciatingly painful and intended for the simple minded who don't watch a lot of movies or for children who're not required to think. Bomb.
Co-written, directed and co-produced by a person who has an unusual name called 'Yahoo Serious' whose inventive ideology is supposedly shown through this film as Albert Einstein of Australia who eventually wins the most prettiest girl. Thank goodness another movie of him wasn't released here again (if there ever was one) for it's movie debut in North America was a huge flop. It's silly, idiotic beyond belief and at times quite painful to watch for it was never funny for it's cheap gags which is nothing but self-indulgent tripe. Excruciatingly painful and intended for the simple minded who don't watch a lot of movies or for children who're not required to think. Bomb.
One of the most underrated films in this database
guslinton25 August 2001
'Young Einstein', as well as 'Reckless Kelly' certainly don't belong on any 'worst films' list. These movies are better, by any artistic criteria, than half of the films on the IMDB 'best 250' list. Yahoo Serious is a refreshingly original and creative artist with a highly developed sense of political and social consciousness. Enjoy his work with both eyes and mind wide open.
Great soundtrack, great fun
jsellar22 November 2002
Take this movie as it was meant - Australians having a good laugh at themselves. Ok not the greatest movie about - but the soundtrack alone makes up for it - not to mention the great shots of Australian landscapes (and this from a Kiwi).
Seriously Bad
thesar-218 August 2019
30th Anniversary: 1989 - the Best Year in Cinema Marathon Film #58/100: "Young Einstein" (1st Viewing.) This movie isn't even over yet and it's in contention for worst movie of 1989. Hell, one of the worst "comedies" or just movies I've ever seen. I didn't laugh ONCE. And I love Australian movies including their comedies. I actually feel bad for this Yahoo Serious. He only made three movies despite being "a hit" in Australia and his films were many years apart - the last being in 2000. No one's heard from him since. My guess: this writer/director/composer/actor truly thought he was funny. He's not. But, I do admire his ambition. There's my one positive.
90 minutes of Silliness
eowyn_in_gondor19 August 2003
Others have condemned this film as codswallop. If you're one for historical fact, you shouldn't watch it. That doesn't make it a bad film, however. It's one of those films that just to be silly. Albert Einstein is a Tasmanian apple farmer who surfs, E=mc2 is pronounced "Emck" and is used to put the bubbles in beer, and the chef at the mental assylum puts live kittens in a pie (Don't worry, Albert saves them). It's a good movie for watching during a pajama party. The director may be Yahoo Serious, but this movie is anything but.
Quite Simply The worst film i have ever seen
CharltonBoy20 June 1999
I would like to say i have seen Many film's , maybe about 2,000 so you could say i am a bit of an expert in my own household ! So if you only take one peice of advice from let it be this...Don't waste 90 minutes of your life and watch this film, it is the worst piece of codswallop i have ever had the misfortune to see , it makes the police academy films look like masterpieces of our time. Just DONT BOTHER,.
weak comedy
SnoopyStyle6 January 2017
In the turn of the century Australia, Albert Einstein (Yahoo Serious) grows up on a Tasmanian apple farm. Despite his family background, he is not good at apple farming. He comes up with his Newtonian theories but his father dismisses him. His dad is in the family lab researching a way to put bubbles into beer. Albert solves it by splitting the beer atom. On the train to Sydney to patent his discovery, he meets the arrogant Preston Preston and the brilliant Marie Curie.
Yahoo Serious was a thing once upon a time. He was supposed to be the great comedic star from Down Under. This is a limited and unsophisticated humor piece that seems to be written by kids with a science book. It's a script written by inexperienced kids for their school in front of all the parents. It's basically one joke and it isn't that funny. Yahoo Serious may be funnier in a sincere real world. The whole world is off-center which takes away from the tension between him and everybody else. I don't think I laughed once although there is an initial charm about its innocent cluelessness. That quickly fades when one realizes that there isn't anything else. Maybe this is funny to Aussies after some Fosters.
Yahoo Serious was a thing once upon a time. He was supposed to be the great comedic star from Down Under. This is a limited and unsophisticated humor piece that seems to be written by kids with a science book. It's a script written by inexperienced kids for their school in front of all the parents. It's basically one joke and it isn't that funny. Yahoo Serious may be funnier in a sincere real world. The whole world is off-center which takes away from the tension between him and everybody else. I don't think I laughed once although there is an initial charm about its innocent cluelessness. That quickly fades when one realizes that there isn't anything else. Maybe this is funny to Aussies after some Fosters.
Born and Raised in Europe
caspian197830 November 2003
A question was asked to a sophomore history class at a local high school in Massachusetts. The question was simple. Where was Albert Einstein born? Out of a class of 45 students, 45 answered Australia. The reason? All saw the movie Young Einstein and assumed since he was portrayed as a farmer growing up in Tazmania, that the young Albert Einstein was as an Australian. Each student was wrong since Einstein was born and grew up in and around Germany. In fact, I don't think Einstein ever stepped foot on Australian land let alone grew up in the country. Just like this little known (maybe unknown) fact about Einstein, the movie Young Einstein is nothing more than laughable. Factual, not exactly. Funny, absolutely!
Who is this Barbarian?.....
FlashCallahan3 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Albert Einstein is the son of a Tasmanian apple farmer, who discovers the secret of splitting the beer atom to put the bubbles back into beer.
When Albert travels to Sydney to patent his invention he meets beautiful French scientist Marie Curie, as well as several unscrupulous types who try to take advantage of the naive genius and his invention......
When a film isn't a film, it's Young Einstein. It's nothing more than a high concept narrative, and the rest of the film is just sketches put together to give it some substance.
Serious is pretty dedicated to the film, after al it's his baby, and although it looks beautiful, especially during the outback sequences, there is really little else to offer.
The story is your common or gardener rags to riches story. Einstein discovers the way to make beer alcohol effervescent, he takes it to a posh place, gets ridiculed, an a snidey beggar steals his idea and wants to take all the glory for it. Its your perfect three tier movie, but its been done a thousand times Belford, and no amount of Serious falling over will make this original.
There are three questionable scenes, that veer on racist, but Einstein is just such a good two shoes, that these pass without question.
It's a film that could not be made today, due to the above, and the fact that it's cheap high concept tht thinks it will be successful because of Crocodile Dundee.
Throw it away like a straight boomerang.
When Albert travels to Sydney to patent his invention he meets beautiful French scientist Marie Curie, as well as several unscrupulous types who try to take advantage of the naive genius and his invention......
When a film isn't a film, it's Young Einstein. It's nothing more than a high concept narrative, and the rest of the film is just sketches put together to give it some substance.
Serious is pretty dedicated to the film, after al it's his baby, and although it looks beautiful, especially during the outback sequences, there is really little else to offer.
The story is your common or gardener rags to riches story. Einstein discovers the way to make beer alcohol effervescent, he takes it to a posh place, gets ridiculed, an a snidey beggar steals his idea and wants to take all the glory for it. Its your perfect three tier movie, but its been done a thousand times Belford, and no amount of Serious falling over will make this original.
There are three questionable scenes, that veer on racist, but Einstein is just such a good two shoes, that these pass without question.
It's a film that could not be made today, due to the above, and the fact that it's cheap high concept tht thinks it will be successful because of Crocodile Dundee.
Throw it away like a straight boomerang.
Great fun, take it for what it is
luke_wood3 July 2011
This movie was never intended to set the acting world alight. Face it, how many 80's comedy movies were? But it is great fun and showcases a bit of creativity on Serious' part. For some reviewers to go as far as labelling it "the worse movie ever", however, is nothing but an overreaction.
Sure, the premise is far-fetched - as in, completely historically inaccurate - but the same can be said for most adaptations of true stories these days. Young Einstein just doesn't hide the fact like others do.
If you want an inoffensive, fun and entertaining movie which intertwines the showcasing of the Australian landscape with an unlikely scenario - as in, splitting a beer atom with a hammer and chisel - then by all means, give Young Einstein a try!
Sure, the premise is far-fetched - as in, completely historically inaccurate - but the same can be said for most adaptations of true stories these days. Young Einstein just doesn't hide the fact like others do.
If you want an inoffensive, fun and entertaining movie which intertwines the showcasing of the Australian landscape with an unlikely scenario - as in, splitting a beer atom with a hammer and chisel - then by all means, give Young Einstein a try!
The most standard Aussie flick
coasterdude4430 April 2021
It's a Great Invention
magicp16724 June 2002
I have to say that this movie is as comedic as they come. I mean every time I watch this movie I always have a smile on my face. And every scene is just funny as hell. I love this movie. But there are some people that will disagree with me. But I still recommend this movie. This movie was conceived by Yahoo Serious (who plays Albert Einstein and also directed and wrote the movie). This is his best invention of all. He could come up with a million good ideas, but he could never surpass this hilarious movie. So, see this movie (if you can find it).
See this film on it's Soundtrack Merit only
riddler_1138-326 August 2003
I saw this film when I was a teen living in Great Britain and for some really odd unexplainable reason, the soundtrack has still stuck with me. The song played during the credits, "Ice-House - Great Southern Land" is by far one of my all time favorite songs. I found the soundtrack on Amazon a few years back and i play it regulary. The film itself isn't the greatest but I do enjoy watching the "Journey to the Mainland", not just for the song but for the amazing camera work and scenery. Yahoo Serious' career never really took off and he's kinda like Carrot Top. You either love him or you hate him.
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