Movie Review: THE FOUNDER

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The Founder

Director:
John Lee Hancock
Cast:
Michael Keaton, Nick Offerman, Laura Dern
I think it’s safe to say that almost everyone knows what McDonald’s is, even if you haven’t eaten there. This is the story of how it went from a small hamburger stand to a global empire, and the story of the man behind that change.
Michael Keaton plays Ray Kroc, a milkshake machine salesman in the 1950’s who goes from restaurant to restaurant using his best sales tactics to promote these “state of the art” milkshake items. Times are tough and he’s having a difficult time getting rid of these machines. So when someone places an order for 8 machines, he thinks it’s a mistake and goes to see why any company in their right mind would want so many of these devices.
He discovers the McDonald brothers, a couple of guys who are trying out a new design and business plan for their burger joint. It’s working out incredibly well financially and popularity wise, and Ray Kroc wants to be a part of this business.
What follows is an amazing story in contrasts. We get to see these guys take their dreams and begin to make them come true, but at a high cost. Do we cheer at the entrepreneurship when the world is gravitating towards this genius idea of fast food, or jeer as Kroc bends the moral and ethical rules in his quest for pure domination over the market?
The movie itself is done really well with some fantastic performances by everyone, especially Keaton and Nick Offerman, but the story is the strongest element here. It’s absolutely stunning how the events of this burger empire came to be. I won’t look at the world of McDonald’s the same way again. Also be prepared to crave a delicious burger after the movie.
It’s great to see a true story made up of such good and evil, and even more impressive when those traits are embodied within the same character. Great Movie!

3.5 out of 5 stars

-“Marquee Mark” Markellus

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