Walter Matthau plays renowned genius Albert Einstein as a matchmaker in the romantic comedy "IQ". Together with three of his brainiest friends, Albert helps a young mechanic (Tim Robbins) woo his niece (Meg Ryan) away from her stuffy, English fiance. They do this by convincing the niece that in addition to his automotive skills, the mechanic is also something of a science whiz. They write for him a paper on propulsion for spaceships and coach him through dinner discussions and quizzes designed to test his knowledge. Of course, the deceit doesn't last until the end of the film, but it does last long enough to interest her in him.
"IQ" is doggedly affable if rather shallow. Matthau, Ryan, and Robbins are just as sweet as can be, and Einstein's trio of cohorts are the corny comic relief. During the film's first third, one is liable to buy into the treacly shenanigans. But eventually one realizes that there is nothing more to the film than breezy banter. Its the cinematic equivalent of listening to a monotone voice drone on. As fine an actress as Meg Ryan is, in "IQ" she only sports two facial expressions: a goofy smile, or a thoughtful frown. You only get one guess as to which of these I think you'll be wearing when you exit the film.