"There's a wolf in the hen-house. We let him in."

It’s hard to imagine a world not consumed by fast food conglomerates. But thanks to films like THE FOUNDER, we’re now treated to another cinematic journey that weaves a tale of ambition, persistence, and ruthlessness. It tells the story of Ray Kroc, a salesman who turned two brothers' innovative fast food eatery, McDonald's, into the biggest restaurant business in the world. By the end of this movie I was more depressed than I watched the social network. I’m honestly at a loss for words. At the beginning of the movie, all you can do is feel for Kroc, but by the end, you come to see him as nothing more than a parasite who simply takes and takes. The Founder is a film of ambition, persistence and vision. However, more importantly it is a tale about how all three of those things combined, can go so horribly wrong.

It has been said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and Michael Keaton‘s performance coupled with the overall story, is visual proof of that. Regarding the performances throughout, Michael Keaton was his usual brilliant self. I’m so very glad to see his career has managed to come back the way it has. Nick Offerman was also great as one of the founding McDonald’s brothers. I was very unfamiliar with the McDonald brothers or history before watching this movie, but this the solid performances served as excellent vehicles and did a  very good job of bringing this sordid story to life. I also have to give some props to Patrick Wilson, Linda Cardellini, BJ Novak and Laura Dern. The Founder paints a picture of how one man’s American dream can be another mans American nightmare. It's an excellent film that comes highly recommended for anyone interested in the history of one of the world's largest companies, and fans of any of the cast, notably Michael Keaton. It is as story worth telling, but it is not a Ricky Nixx film. 

Year: 2016

Director: John Lee Hancock 

Writer: Robert Siegel 

Stars: Michael Keaton, Nick Offerman, John Carroll Lynch