OK for kids 13+
Inventor fights for recognition in feel-good film.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this fact-based "feel good" drama focuses on a determined man's unflagging quest to receive credit for his invention. Ultimately, it's heartening to see how far he gets, though some scenes may be overwhelming for very young children (for example, when the main character has a nervous breakdown). At times, the protagonist seems neglectful of his marriage and kids, but overall they're close and supportive. There's some swearing (including "s--t" and one use of "f--k"), social drinking, and smoking, but there's no violence or age-inappropriate sexual content.
- Families can talk about why Robert Kearns' story made a good subject for a movie. How accurate do you think the film is? Why might filmmakers bend the truth when making a movie based on real life? How could you find out more about Kearns if you wanted to? Also, why do you think his struggle took over his life? Why was it so important to him to get credit? Did he go too far? What were the consequences of his obsession? What makes someone an inventor? Was his idea stolen, or are the facts of the case not cut and dried?
The good stuff
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Messages: A large company betrays a man who decides to fight obsessively to get the credit he thinks is rightfully his. To a certain extent, he sacrifices his family life in doing so. Nevertheless, the family is portrayed as supportive and encouraging, even in times of great difficulty.
What to watch for
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Violence: A man shows up unannounced at a company event and makes a scene; he's ushered out by security. A man throws a drink at a car. Otherwise, the battles are largely in the courtroom.
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Sex: A little bit of kissing and sexual innuendo.
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Language: Some use -- at times by children -- of the words "bastard," "damn," and "s--t." One use of "f--k."
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Consumerism: Since the film is set in Detroit, there are many mentions of the big American automotive companies: Ford, Chrysler, GM. Car decals and logos are displayed, as is signage for dealerships and manufacturers. Some mention of Case Western University and Pepsi.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some social drinking; some smoking by minor characters (accurate for the time period).
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Great film if you know Detroit in the 'old days' by pegabler
Interesting film although it is character study rather than a 'car' story... I am from Detroit and found it good, the personality of the engineer, his Catholic background (although if you do not understand the 'church' you may not understand the connection), and of course the powers that be in the automobile industry who have always felt they were in charge and could do anything... while they continued to sell automobiles with splash and thunder even if they didn't make it to the end of the payment book. One funny item, the lead kept his 1965 Ford throughout the film... one of the few that kept going...
4
not to shabby by adonaips13
Although i am not an inventor or have I ever had to deal with the crap he did, I did enjoy the movie. I felt it was well acted and wasnt too drawn out!
I happen to like true story type movies so this one was another keeper for me. It is not full of excitement or laughter, but it tells and awesome story.
5
Flash of Genuis by walmarty
Excellent movie and acting. I will never buy another Ford ever! What they did to this guy and family was unforgiveable especially for them being such a huge company! The best part is ethics and integrity that it teaches us all! Great values!
4
Flash of Genius by lashely
Good movie, Greg Kinear did a great job, good to know someone sticks to their beliefs!
4
Flash of Genius by MKT91
Good movie. Shows how sticking to your beliefs can pay with the outcome you want on one hand, while costing you greatly on the other. Nice to see the little guy be able to do it on his own.
4
Worth the money, but also a story that has been done a lot of times before by Dark_Chameleon
This is a made for tv film..not because its bad but because its a feel bad then good film of the david goliath vein.
The characters will hold you, they gell well together and the storyline is good in the fact its based on truth, as an amateur inventor i felt the need to see someone who had been through the same as most inventors either go through of the fear we all have of having our ideas stolen(to some the fear is so much we never release or develope them), and to this point it was educational to either fight the good fight or maybe sometimes take the money and not lose your lifestyle or family or both.
This is a good film for those interested in justice or an inevitable feel good movie...To me this was a definate B but to those without an interest I'd expect they wouldnt go let alone rate this movie...It works for me...and I hope works for you too...........A Grade 'B'
4
True Story......bittersweet by robert.jones3
The Flash of Genius was well acted and the cinematography realistically captured the feel of the 1950 era of the stories beginning.
The movie leaves the audience with a personal question of their own character to stand for basic principles of right and wrong. Kearns is an engineer who must stand for these principles against the corporate giant of the times, Ford Motors. The movie skips too briefly over some events that could of used a few more minutes to develop but does manage to induce an empathetic emotional tie with the audience.
The movie ends rewarding Kearns for his fight against Ford Motors but not fully restored personally for the the collateral damage. The bittersweet ending drives home the realization that the costs of protecting principle is real and even in triumph there may be tragedy. The audience leaves the theater asking themselves if they could of made the same sacrafices to protect a principle they might presently hold with strong conviction,
5
Flash Of Genius by joemarymovie
Very good movie in the David verses Goliath mode.
4
Flash of Genius by musicmomo4
This movie is a great movie for the entire family. There are some cuss words, but very minimal and one seen implies sexual inuendo, but their married so it is in context. Based on a true story, this movie tells story of a man with a vision and dream that is being stolen from him and yet he has the courage to fight for the principle of truth, no matter how big the thief. This is a 60's version of the timeless story of David and Goliath. Gets one thinking.
5
Flash of Genius by mprout
Highly recommend it; good period piece as well. Good movie to discuss afterward.
MKP