The Founder is a wink of a title. It’s about Ray Kroc, the man who turned a California hamburger stand called McDonald’s into a global empire, although the original restaurant wasn’t even his idea.
In fact, Kroc co-opted the vision of brothers Dick and Mac McDonald, who had dreamed up the fast food concept and made it a reality. In 1954, the McDonalds were running a popular burger stand in San Bernardino. Everything was going smoothly, until Kroc showed up.
Despite a light touch, The Founder is a feel-bad movie. Its central character is a guy with questionable ethics who nevertheless wins big by doing bad things to good people.
Directed by John Lee Hancock ( The Blind Side, Saving Mr. Banks) , the fact-based tale is expertly crafted. Michael Keaton plays Kroc, making the most of his ability to deliver charisma with a dose of creepiness. ( It’s the eyebrows.)