The Founder

Parental Rating: PG-13

Contains: Language    Adult Content    

Jill's Review

Opens January 20, 2017

Runs 115 minutes

This movie is based on the true story of how Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton) became known as the "Founder" of McDonald's even though the chain was actually started by two brothers - Dick (Nick Offerman) and Mac (John Carroll Lynch) in San Bernardino, California. The movie starts off with Ray selling milk shake mixers (the kind that can make mutiple shakes at once) in the midwest. He is constantly on the road and there is not much interest in what he is selling. That is until he gets an order for 6 of the units from the West Coast. He thinks it must be a mistake because no one would need to make that many shakes at once. He is intrigued and heads out to meet the McDonald brothers. He is immediately impressed with their "speedy" service and feels like this might be his last big shot at making it in the business world. Soon, he has opened his own franchise in Illinois and is franchising to others, as well. All the while, the brothers are trying to slow down expansion, maintain quality control and preserve their principles. While Ray does grow McDonald's into one of the world's largest fast food chains, he does it with a ruthlessness that eventually leaves the McDonald brothers unable to claim even their own name.

The Husband and I both really liked this film. We didn't know the whole story behind McDonald's and this definitely takes you behind the curtain and reveals how McDonald's came to be the empire it is today. It is a fascinating look at the revolution of fast food. It is not a flattering picture of Ray Kroc and his single-minded determination and ruthlessness. Michael Keaton does a great job. He is somehow likeable, even as he destoys his marriage and basically steals the McDonald brothers' concept right out from under them. I feel sorry for the McDonald brothers but why didn't they hire a good lawyer to help them out from the beginning? I guess we'll never know. The movie is interesting, often funny and informative. It may even make you think twice the next time you drive by the "Golden Arches". Go see it.

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