The Founder

I love McDonald's always have always will. Only fast food that doesn't make me sick. I also like Michael Keaton. Yes I hated his Batman film but that was Tim Burtons fault not his. So when I found out that Michael Keaton was going to be starring in The Founder, a story about the McDonald's franchise I couldn't wait to see it, and I was not disappointed.
Keaton stars as Ray Kroc a salesmen from IL who in the beginning is traveling to different car hop restaurants trying to sell his latest offering, a machine that can make 3 milkshakes at once. We learn through the the film he has also sold fold out couches, and other assorted get rich quick schemes. He gets an order from a small shop in San Bernardino and when he calls them to verify they need 6 he is shocked to learn they want it bumped up to 8

He travels across country to meet the owners of the shop and can't believe not only the speed and efficiency of the shop but the quality of the food as well. The place in question is McDonald's. He meets the two brothers who own the place, Maureece and Richard McDonald. They tell him how they were able to create their vision, and after much convincing on Rays part they agree to franchise the rights out with Ray.

Ray soon begins selling franchises to rich country club freinds but is appalled when he learns they are selling corn on the cob and fried chicken, not sticking with the simple menu of burgers and Fry's. Figuring these are not the people to go into business with he begins meeting salesmen, people at the VA, Shriners, every common Joe he can find looking for a piece of the American Dream .

Ray becomes successful but as he has a small percentage drawn into his contract he is not making what he feels he deserves. It's his greed and pride that drive him to eventually begin going around the McDonald's brothers and trying to take the entire company and idea away from them

This is a fascinating story that shines with Keaton in the lead. He steals every single scene
From being the weary salesman always looking for the next big thing, to be successful but still not satisfied with what he has. You feel sympathy for his portrayal of Ray Kroc. I found myself rooting for him to swindle the McDonald's brothers and take everything from them.

The Blu-ray looks and sounds amazing and has a nice but of special features. I recommend this to any fan of cinema in general and cannot stress enough how much this needs to be seen.

Overall 4 out of 5 Stars