The Founder: Movie Review
“McDonalds” is the largest and most recognized food chain around the globe, with billions of burgers served. This massive company had to have started somewhere and in “The Founder” we learn how a revolutionary California burger stand grew into what it is today. Director John Lee Hancock (“The Bind Side”, “Saving Mr. Banks”) is no stranger to adapting fascinating real-life stories. Unfortunately the perfectly cast Michael Keaton as a sneaky businessman can’t save “The Founder” from 115 minutes of dullness.
Traveling salesman Ray Kroc (Keaton) was struggling selling Prince Castle brand milkshake makers to drive-in burger stands across America. Although the appliance he was pushing could make five shakes at once, none of the business felt they had a need for it. Although Ray’s wife (Laura Dern) was happy with the money Ray has saved over the years and the home they live in, the salesman wasn’t content.
When Prince Castle gets an order for eight milkshake makers from a burger stand called “McDonalds” in California, Ray decides to drive across the country and check out this place himself. Once he arrives, he is a bit baffled by how this operation is run. There are no car hops, and no trays or dishes. When Ray places an order, he is stunned that it is handed him within seconds. Fascinated by the quick service and tasty food, he is given a tour of the stand by Mac (John Carroll Lynch) and Dick (Nick Offerman) McDonald.
Ray is so blown away that he immediately thinks “franchise” and talks the brothers into letting him expand locations across the country, even though they rejected his offer at first. Things start out fine, but when Mac and Dick continue to reject ideas and demands from Ray, he becomes increasingly frustrated. To make matters worse, the costs of operating each franchise were higher than expected, especially with the cost of refrigerating ice cream for the milk shakes.
When Ray meets financial consultant Harry Sonneborn (B.J. Novak), he learns that he is actually in the real estate business, not the restaurant business. This is the moment where things turn around and though it is a great moment for Ray, it is the beginning of the end for Mac and Dick.
Keaton is fantastic as usual as the man who pretty much stole “McDonalds” from the McDonald brothers. He is the wolf in the hen house. This is also a great story and should have made for a compelling film. Although it has its’ moments, “The Founder” lacks energy. It moves along at a snail’s pace and even the supporting cast is wasted. I had high hope for this one, but much like a value meal at “McDonalds”, I walked out unsatisfied and hoping my next meal will be better.
By: Marc Ferman