Jack Goes Confidential: ‘The Founder’—Relentless Burger Capitalist

THE FOUNDER was originally planned for a nationwide rollout last summer…

The Weinstein Company had set it for release on August 5th—not necessarily a good time for thoughtful, intriguing cinema.

However, following strong audience reaction to the picture at test screenings, Weinstein cancelled the August date and moved the film back to open January 20th instead—just four days ahead of the 2017 Academy Award nominations.

And yes, THE FOUNDER had a week long Oscar qualifying run this past December in L.A.

This was of course a wise marketing move as Michael Keaton’s career has recently had a tremendous turnaround with the likes of BIRDMAN and SPOTLIGHT.

And just like with those two motion pictures, you’re in for another terrific performance by Keaton that well could mean yet another Oscar nomination for the versatile actor.

THE FOUNDER is the dramatized story of McDonald’s found Ray Kroc taking place long before Happy Meals and the Big Mac.

It was the early 1950’s when traveling multi-head milk shake mixing machine salesman Kroc came across Mac and Dick McDonald’s successful fast food place in California.

They kept their menu simple and consistent by offering only the top selling food items and serving them at an unusually rapid pace.

To suggest that Mr. Kroc was ethically challenged would be an understatement!

Suffice it to say, HIS will be done – was the always case, as McDonald brothers found out in their business dealings with the future burger czar.

Franchising and real estate—Yeah, THAT’s the ticket.

The rest as they say is the billion dollar history that changed the world’s eating habits.

Supporting Keaton’s terrific performance as Ray Kroc are Laura Dern as wife # 1 followed by Linda Cardellini.

The McDonald brothers are portrayed by Nick Offerman and John Carrol Lynch.

Ruthless and relentless is Michael Keaton in yet another intriguing super-sized performance as THE FOUNDER.

My grade: B+