Film: The Founder

GENRE: Drama, Biography

RATING: PG-13 for brief strong language
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 55 minutes

STARRING: Michael Keaton (Birdman, Spotlight, Batman, Mr. Mom)

Nick Offerman (Parks & Rec, Fargo), John Carroll Lynch (Zodiac, Fargo)

DIRECTOR: John Lee Hancock (The Blind Side, Saving Mr. Banks)

WRITER: Robert Siegel (Turbo, The Wrestler)

PLOT: Based on the true story of a salesman who screwed over the McDonald’s brothers in order to franchise their restaurant.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I’ve been intrigued with this story for a while

STORY STUFF: I found the story fascinating. I loved the beginning where the brothers share the story of how they came up with the model of their business. (It seems like In N Out Burger has kept this same concept today.) I loved watching the triumphs and pitfalls of franchising but didn’t care too much about Ray Kroc’s home life.   

ACTING STUFF: Keaton does a pretty great job being the asshole in this film. You can’t help but be drawn into his performance. He has been picking some great roles lately. I also really enjoyed watching Offerman as Dick McDonald. He channeled a bit of his gruff Ron Swanson but also showed lots of emotion and care for his brother.

ARTISTIC STUFF: I enjoyed seeing the early days of diners and McDonald’s. If only those hamburgers were still 15 cents.  

VERDICT: Four stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You eat McDonald’s or appreciate In N Out Burger

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Oscar Nominee Predictions