Flash of Genius

Synopsis

Robert Kearns (Greg Kinnear, Little Miss Sunshine) is a man on a struggled-filled journey to get the recognition he knows he deserves after inventing intermittent wipers—an invention that later was massed produced and became the standard in every car. The automobile industry disregarded Kearns’ claims of the original inventor, but he’s not about to lose his recognition as the inventor.

Review

This is an excellent story of courage, persistence, and loyalty. I definitely score this film high, but it doesn’t mean you have to rush to the theater to see it. This is a nice film to watch while kickin’ back on your plush couch at home. However, if you’re looking for a good film to take your parents or grandparents to see that has deepness and real meaning, Flash of Genius is the one. There were soooo many gray haired people in the theater watching it with me that I suspect this is the type of film that older folks will appreciate. I guess a case about a college professor suing the big time automobile industry for stealing his idea doesn’t sound too appealing to young folks. Heck, it doesn’t sound appealing to me, so was I shocked when this film turned out to be quite good.

Robert “Bob” Kearns (Greg Kinnear) is the independent inventor of the intermittent windshield wiper. So if you’ve ever been annoyed with the sound of wiper blades that were running too fast, and thus turned down their "speed"—you can thank Bob. Anyway, Bob spends his entire life trying to battle Ford Motor Company, who he strongly accuses of stealing his invention. Bob becomes extremely obsessed with proving he is the inventor. He eats, sleeps and breathes about his day in court with the mighty mean corporate giant. No matter who is affected or how long it takes, dabnubbit Bob will have his day in court. Poor guy. They’re just wipers—but of course we’re not really talking about wipers—we’re talking about millions and millions of dollars. But Bob cares about more than the money.

I really felt Bob’s anguish. I tried fighting back some tears. Yes, I’m guilty. Flash is not about action or comedy. It’s a straight up drama that isn’t boring. It has significance and substance. This is a true story about one man’s torment over losing the invention of a lifetime, and we get wrapped up in the torment as well. I believe true stories always make for good movies. Shoot, I have a friend who tells me all about her life and I better start writing down what she says because her story will give me an Oscar nomination. HELLLO!

Anyhoo, I appreciated the brilliant details of the time the movie was set in. There were a couple of scenes where Bob’s wife Phyllis (Lauren Graham, Evan Almighty) held their baby on her lap in the front seat, kind of pulling a Britney Spears. Phyllis at least wasn’t driving. My goodness, a mother nowadays would be kicked up side her head if she held her baby on her lap and not securely strapped into a car seat. I wonder how many babies and kids died back in the day before there were enforced laws on seatbelts and car seats? We were so daring back then, or just plain ole’ stupid.

My main issue with the movie is the true number of years Bob crazily committed his life to his case. The film never gave us any knowledge to what year it was. I had to go by the style of the cars to get an idea. Sure, we could guess because his kids got older, but I don’t recall any dates. Maybe I missed them.

The movie should have been called I’m Freakin Obsessed. While I felt for Bobster, I was getting emotionally aggravated at how fixated he was on Ford and his case. I understand you wanting your day in court, but in the mean time, which I know can be a rough time, get to thinking up something new. Go back to teaching. You have a family to feed man. I was sitting there thinking all of those things while I watched this film. Flash sure found a way to get me frustrated. There were a couple times I was sick of seeing Kinnear’s face. I guess he was playing his part very well.

Kinnear did an excellent job in this role. His character had so many dimensions and I felt every one. He felt family oriented, nice and calm. Then he was crazy and obsessed, and even had a little mean streak in him. I can see him being nominated for an Oscar for showing this range of emotions. You know actors are always nominated for parts that are based on a true character. Do it Greg.

On a side note, Alan Alda (The West Wing) also did his thing as Gregory Lawson, Bob’s lawyer. Even though he is in the movie for a short amount of time, he is so authentic with his tone, demeanor, and straight to the point attitude. They can’t go wrong putting Alan in the mix.

I never would have gone to see Flash at the theater if I didn’t need to review it, but I’m sure glad I did. I was faked out. It’s good. Unfortunately, I think there are going to be a lot of other people who will miss this one because it’s just not a major blockbuster. If you miss it in theaters, definitely rent it.

My Rating ~ 4 Reels

Audience Rating (What's Yours?)