Flash of Genius (2008)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Jeff "

  
  Considering how predictable the story was, Flash of Genius was a fairly good film to watch. I had some minor issues with the film, and I thought that the film though good, wasn't as good as I'd thought it is. Robert Kearns seeks to be compensated and brings a lawsuit against… More
  Considering how predictable the story was, Flash of Genius was a fairly good film to watch. I had some minor issues with the film, and I thought that the film though good, wasn't as good as I'd thought it is. Robert Kearns seeks to be compensated and brings a lawsuit against the Ford Motor Company for patent infringement. Flash of Genius is the true story about Robert Kearns who is credited as one of the first to bring a lawsuit against a big corporation that infringed on a patent. Robert Kearns invented the intermittent windshield wiper and Flash of Genius tells the story of how he invented the wiper and how he fought in court to protect what was rightfully his. Greg Kinnear gives a good performance, but he also kind of makes Robert Kearns look a bit unsympathetic as well. Flash of Genius was a good film, but that was where the trouble lied with the film. Though Kinnear's performance was good, he made Kearns look almost like the bad guy, and looking at what he was doing to his family in the process while fighting his case. You sympathize with Robert Kearns, but almost don't care for him, almost. Flash of Genius could have been a truly great film, but its predictability kind of brought it down a notch. Still, this is a worthy film to watch with good performances, just don't expect anything excellent.

• jay n

  
  Somewhat plodding but a good central performance by Greg Kinnear.

• Lorenzo v

  
  <i>"Corporations have time, money, and power on their side. All Bob Kearns had was the truth."</i> Robert Kearns takes on the Detroit automakers who he claims stole his idea for the intermittent windshield wiper. <center><font size=+2… More
  <i>"Corporations have time, money, and power on their side. All Bob Kearns had was the truth."</i> Robert Kearns takes on the Detroit automakers who he claims stole his idea for the intermittent windshield wiper. <center><font size=+2 face="Century Schoolbook"><b><u>REVIEW</u></b></font></center> One can have a legitimate argument when they voice that most Hollywood bio pics are a "flash in the pan"; but most certainly not "Flash of Genius". Director Marc Abraham's brilliant film on Dr. Robert Kearns, the inventor of the intermittent windshield wiper, was not one wet dud. The narrative motors on Dr. Kearns' legal battle with the Ford Company, whom stole his revolutionary invention. But the narrative does not wipe away Kearns relationship with his wife Phyllis and his six kids, as it plays an integral part in the story. Abraham does drive the motion that Kearns was an obsessive inventor who constantly fixated on obtaining justice for the Ford larceny. The ramification of that fixation for Kearns is that it wiped away his marriage with his mostly supportive but consequently impatient wife which he adored. Even though Dr. Kearns had his egoistic eccentricities, you have to admire his driven determination to stop short on nothing to obtain legitimate justice for his invention. Kearns actually represented himself in his legal battle, which actually provides the film's court scenes to have a semi-comical edge and an inspirational driving-force theme. Director Abraham marvelously invented & constructed "Flash of Genius" with bio clarity on one man's battle. Screenwriter Phillip Railsback scribed up a gripping and inspirational screenplay; ingenious movie wordsmith work here by Railsback. But what wiped me off my socks the most was the astounding performance of star Greg Kinnear as Kearns. I think the Academy did not see it too clear when they did not nominate Kinnear for a Best Actor Oscar for his shining work here. Commendable supporting acting work was also contributed to "Flash of Genius" by the clear-cut performances of Dermot Mulroney as Kearns' friend & business partner Gil Privick, and Alan Alda as a semi-pushy counsel Gregory Lawson.

• Gordon A

  
  Well worn tale of the little man taking on a corporate giant. Absolutely predictable but amiable.

• paul s

  
  as with many a biopic, this film takes many a convenient shortcut in its story telling, and when it does stray outside the normal narative, it fails (while the beginning scene sets a nice mood and is later dove tailed into the court preceedings, it makes no sense - why would the… More
  as with many a biopic, this film takes many a convenient shortcut in its story telling, and when it does stray outside the normal narative, it fails (while the beginning scene sets a nice mood and is later dove tailed into the court preceedings, it makes no sense - why would the police be interested in this guy in the first place??). I feel that the scriptwriter felt somewhat hemmed in by the subject matter - how can you make the war of attrition that Ford Motor Co uses, stalling the courtroom drama for almost 7 years, interesting? You can't - therefore so much of the middle of this film wanders aimlessly, with the luke warm attempt to show the strain of this Quixotic enterprise on Kearn's wife and family. The single minded obsession that drives him temporarily insane somehow manages to come off flat and lifeless, though I think from no fault of Kinnear. The last half hour of courtroom "drama" almost falls into the realm of the absurd, as facts are revealed and Kearn, who decides to represent himself in the proceedings, is given way too much leeway by the fatherly judge, and easily objectifiable moves become ignored - making it overtly transparent that the entire courtroom phase is nothing more than a vehicle to reveal the film's tired message. There is enough here to marginally recommend this film, especially in the first half, but once Ford Motor shows its true corporate colors the film starts its slow descent into boilerplate mediocracy.

• Dean M

  
  This true-life tale of an inventor's long battle against the Ford Motor Company is quite good. Set against a convincing Motown backdrop, Greg Kinnear - a flurry of absent-minded agitation and savant zeal - is outstanding. Lauren Graham also impresses as his marginalised wife, and… More
  This true-life tale of an inventor's long battle against the Ford Motor Company is quite good. Set against a convincing Motown backdrop, Greg Kinnear - a flurry of absent-minded agitation and savant zeal - is outstanding. Lauren Graham also impresses as his marginalised wife, and there's a fabulous, spiky Alan Alda cameo. Superb performances from the leads and charming period detail make this engaging and watchable.

• Mark H

  
  Biopic of how Robert Kearns, the man who invented the intermittent windshield wiper, went up against the Ford Motor Company for stealing his idea. David and Goliath story presents its tale competently, but it's hard not to feel like we've seen this many times before. Our… More
  Biopic of how Robert Kearns, the man who invented the intermittent windshield wiper, went up against the Ford Motor Company for stealing his idea. David and Goliath story presents its tale competently, but it's hard not to feel like we've seen this many times before. Our protagonist never gives up, regardless of the consequences or benefits. Indeed, it's telling that as the story progresses, the main character seems rather foolish, and not so heroic.

• Manu G

  
  A very good decent movie which tells you the history about the inventor of the time controlling of wipers in cars. Robert Kearns takes on the Detroit automakers who he claims stole his idea for the intermittent windshield wiper.

• Walter M

  
  Based on a true story, "Flash of Genius" establishes itself quickly as a dark and moody character study with Bob Kearns(Greg Kinnear, a limited actor giving a strong performance), disoriented as he is led off a bus by state troopers, being told his family is worrying about… More
  Based on a true story, "Flash of Genius" establishes itself quickly as a dark and moody character study with Bob Kearns(Greg Kinnear, a limited actor giving a strong performance), disoriented as he is led off a bus by state troopers, being told his family is worrying about him. Three years earlier, he teaches engineering at a university in Detroit, married to a loving and long suffering wife(Lauren Graham) and has six kids. Singleminded to the point of obsession, there are many times when that does not involve his wife which makes one wonder as to how he actually fathered six kids, especially since it looks like they have twin beds.(There is a Monty Python joke here somewhere.) One such thought process leads to the invention of the intermittent windshield wiper which he brings to a friend(Dermot Mulroney) who then helps him get an interview with Ford Motor Company. Bob has dreams of manufacturing the devices himself but Ford apparently steals the design first which puts him on a very long path seeking justice. We know Bob is right and root for him, even though he is flawed and his complete certainty in his cause, not allowing for compromise, makes him lose all perspective at times. While exploring the dark side of the American dream in a realistic way(No conspiracy theories, please. This is just the way things work.), "Flash of Genius" excels at conveying his struggle, hardships and sacrifice, so that when the climax arrives, there is a great sense of relief for everybody involved.

• Glenn G

  
  A mainstream, populist entertainment in the vein of HOOSIERS. This "man against the system" biopic may play by the numbers, but it builds to an emotionally satisfying yet low key climax. A fine performance from Greg Kinnear.

• Sol C

  
  Greg Kinnear gives one of his best performances in this film. The film kind of reminded me of the film, Tucker The Man and His Dream. Also the supporting cast does a good job too. On the negative, I didn't like the way the film opened. Also the pacing was off at times. Still, the… More
  Greg Kinnear gives one of his best performances in this film. The film kind of reminded me of the film, Tucker The Man and His Dream. Also the supporting cast does a good job too. On the negative, I didn't like the way the film opened. Also the pacing was off at times. Still, the film is worth seeing cause of Kinnear's performance.

• Joseph E

  
  A Genuine Piece of Artwork, that is both True and Fanscinating to watch.

• Philip P

  
  It is really sad this film came and went so quietly. It is a film that displays a man who never compromises his values for money and that is something we do not see enough in today's society. You might even disagree with some of the decisions Robert Kearns made, I know I… More
  It is really sad this film came and went so quietly. It is a film that displays a man who never compromises his values for money and that is something we do not see enough in today's society. You might even disagree with some of the decisions Robert Kearns made, I know I didn't. It was hard to understand how he could give up his family and time when he was offered enough money to the point it would greatly benefit his children. In the end though, it is the gratification for doing what is right and the justice that is served that gives us reason for Mr. Kearns' journey. I liked the film overall though, it was slow in a few parts, but it is a good story and Greg Kinnear gives such a humbled and slightly inspiring performance that you appreciate him having the courage to do what he did even if you wouldnt have done or been able to do it yourself.

• The S

  
  Based on a true story, this is an excellent, low key, film about a little guy in the right taking on a fat cat corporation so appallingly, and obviously in the wrong. Greg Kinnear is outstanding in a movie which I rather like and is not unsuitable for the whole family - I think… More
  Based on a true story, this is an excellent, low key, film about a little guy in the right taking on a fat cat corporation so appallingly, and obviously in the wrong. Greg Kinnear is outstanding in a movie which I rather like and is not unsuitable for the whole family - I think I'll screen it for my mum.

• Jason R

  
  Flash of Genius is the story of man who fights a lengthy legal battle against the Ford Motor Company who stole his design for the intermittent windshield wiper. The film stars Greg Kinnear who was outstanding as usual in a poignant story about one man doing what he felt was right.… More
  Flash of Genius is the story of man who fights a lengthy legal battle against the Ford Motor Company who stole his design for the intermittent windshield wiper. The film stars Greg Kinnear who was outstanding as usual in a poignant story about one man doing what he felt was right. These are the kinda movies I really enjoy because they bring to light true stories that you more than likely would never had known about as was the case for me with this film.

• Grifty G

  
  Greg Kinnear plays the guy who came up with the intermittent windshield wipers, you know, for when it's drizzling? Ford then rips him off and he spends years trying to sue them, not for the money, but for the recognition. What was most interesting about this true story was how… More
  Greg Kinnear plays the guy who came up with the intermittent windshield wipers, you know, for when it's drizzling? Ford then rips him off and he spends years trying to sue them, not for the money, but for the recognition. What was most interesting about this true story was how difficult it seemed to be to make wipers that paused, something that you could probably make with an erector set these days. The rest of the movie is fine, neither great or bad, just sort of predictable and mildly pleasant...something for a rainy afternoon cable watch.

• Richard F

  
  Kinnear really shows his range in this "David and Goliath" battle. Abraham does a satisfactory job directing this amazingly true story that is really relevant to politics in society today. In particular, overtones of pride and its cost, versus money, resonates.

• Henrik S

  
  An average American movie with a surprisingly charismatic lead. Yet, the movie is pretty much like thousands of other hollywood movies and nothing out of the box. Not really worth your time and money. A variation of the American Dream theme, the little man who sticks it to the big… More
  An average American movie with a surprisingly charismatic lead. Yet, the movie is pretty much like thousands of other hollywood movies and nothing out of the box. Not really worth your time and money. A variation of the American Dream theme, the little man who sticks it to the big moolah making company. I know it is based on a true story, but the movie&#039;s pacing and script could have been much more exciting.

Read all 18 featured audience ratings