 In order to earn some money, Martin decides to do some tutoring, his first student being precocious 12-year old Eddie Prescott, the son of a seemingly tough-as-nails air force captain who wants his son to enter into the prestigious air force academy. Eddie s tough exterior masks insecurities of stupidity. During Martin and Eddie s first lesson, disaster strikes because of Eddie s silver braces; Martians are rendered brain dysfunctional when exposed to pure silver. As Eddie begins to learn, Martin begins to forget. In simple terms, Eddie is robbing Martin s brains. Martin has to get his brains back from Eddie before Eddie and his family move to Washington DC that night, while still retaining Eddie s newfound respect for learning and knowledge.