Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Michael Keaton | ... | Ray Kroc | |
Nick Offerman | ... | Dick McDonald | |
John Carroll Lynch | ... | Mac McDonald | |
Linda Cardellini | ... | Joan Smith | |
B.J. Novak | ... | Harry J. Sonneborn | |
Laura Dern | ... | Ethel Kroc | |
Justin Randell Brooke | ... | Fred Turner | |
Kate Kneeland | ... | June Martino | |
Patrick Wilson | ... | Rollie Smith | |
Griff Furst | ... | Jim Zien | |
Wilbur Fitzgerald | ... | Jerry Cullen | |
David de Vries | ... | Jack Horford | |
Andrew Benator | ... | Leonard Rosenblatt | |
Cara Mantella | ... | Myra Rosenblatt | |
Randall Taylor | ... | Owner (Ed's Drive-In) |
1954. Having worked as a salesman most of his adult life, Ray Kroc has been a hustler in most senses of the word. That hustling has made him the target of derision among certain circles for peddling what have ended up being more novelty or faddish than useful products, but it has also placed more than a comfortable roof in Arlington Heights, Illinois over his and his wife Ethel's heads. Ethel, however, wishes that he placed as much effort into being at home with her than he is in selling, his current job of peddling five-spindle milkshake makers for Prince Castle which has him constantly on the road going from one drive-in restaurant to another. It is because of the beefs he has with the whole drive-in experience (bad food, bad service) in constantly eating at such establishments while on the road that he becomes enthralled with the concept of McDonald's Restaurant in San Bernardino, California, it owned and operated by brothers Richard McDonald and Maurice McDonald - Dick and Mac. ... Written by Huggo
The Founder is a biographical drama film starring Michael Keaton based on the life of American businessman and founder of the McDonald's Corporation Ray Kroc. Whether you love the McDonald's brand or hate it, this film offers a compelling view into the way it has captivated us all with its worldwide presence.
In 1954, salesman Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton) meets with brothers Dick (Nick Offerman) and Mac (John Carroll Lynch) McDonald, the owners of the hamburger restaurant known as "McDonald's". Fascinated by the brothers' ability to have burgers and fries cooked in a matter of seconds, Kroc suggests the idea of franchising the restaurant nationwide, hoping to use this as a way to take control of the company and earn money for himself.
Featuring yet another terrific performance from the ever-versatile Michael Keaton, his second best behind Birdman, The Founder is an interesting look into the way one man helped turn a small hamburger restaurant into a global fast food empire. It is fascinating seeing how one simple idea - fast food - has changed the culinary world forever. However, one cannot help but feel sorry for the misfortune the McDonald brothers went through as a result of franchising their name and the exploitation they received. I should also mention that the film reminded me of the 2010 film The Social Network, with its similar plot about one man exploiting a clever idea from two brothers for his own financial gain.
I rate it 8/10.