Father of Invention

"Haven't you ruined enough peoples lives?" Robert Axel (Spacey) is the world's greatest "fabricator". Combining two ideas into one new one makes him millions. When one idea, the "ab-clicker" (an ab machine/TV remote) breaks peoples fingers he is found liable and is sent to prison. After serving 8 years he is released and moves in with his daughter and two roommates. Kevin Spacey has started to make a living playing offbeat, somewhat eccentric characters that have to build themselves back up. While this performance is not quite as good as "Casino Jack" it is still very good, and the movie is too. A very funny and enjoyable movie to watch. While not very original it is still very entertaining and Spacey's interaction with the other characters is what makes the movie. The supporting cast which includes Heather Graham, Johnny Knoxville and Craig Robinson are great and while the movie is a rehash of many other movies the acting and dialog make this well worth watching. Overall, a very entertaining movie that is only that way because of the cast. I give it a B.

Would I watch again? - I don't know if I would.

*Also try - Casino Jack & Extract

Stupendously dumb movie. Complete waste of time, and pretty cringe-worthy to see Spacey struggling with the weak script, the flat acting and cramped humour.

Most scenes appear blatant and set up with an idiotic take on what should be the structure of a 'fabrication' of a riches-to-ashes meets my-daddy-is my hero tale.

Just watch 'The Pursuit of Happiness' backwards followed by 'Meet the parents', throw in some amateur level editing and Uwe Boll talent for delivering and you get the idea.

Definitely Spacey's worst performance and most certainly one of those titles in which most times you'll be asking yourself 'Oh Kevin, what did you do?'.

If avoidable you really should.

Also, it seems all other (three!) reviews are dupes. Which is why I felt the need to share this.

Even first rate actors like Kevin Spacey cannot save a film just on their name alone, they need a better script to work with. In this case Kevin Spacey plays a successful multi-millionaire inventor named Robert Axle who ends up serving a 10 year prison term for inventing and releasing prematurely an exercise machine that severs fingers from a number of purchasers. Robert Axle invested his whole life in marketing his inventions and no time what so ever with his little girl, played by Camilla Belle, or his ex wife Lorraine played by Virginia Madsen.

When Axle gets out of prison not only is his name poison with the large retail giants, but his ex wife has remarried to a Forest Ranger named Jerry King played by Craig Robinson, and they have slowly squandered a fortune of over 200 million dollars. Axle's only daughter Claire, played by Camilla Belle still suffers from latent child abandonment issues. So life has been cruel to Robert Axle these past 10 years in prison. He first befriends his daughters two roommates, who agree to give up their couch to Robert rather than have to watch him live in a men's shelter for too long.

In an effort to redeem himself and regain his Midas touch with a new invention, Axle goes to work at the fourth largest retail chain named Family World, whose immediate Assistant Store Manager is a guy named Troy Coangelo, played superbly by Johnny Knoxville. Axle and Troy don't see eye to eye on the store's priorities and as such Axle's career at Family World is short lived. Desperate to make amends with his daughter Claire, Axle does come up with a new invention but can't find an investor willing to risk financing a dead beat and felony ex convict like Axle.

Eventually he does find one investor and he also makes amends with his daughter. Yes, there are a few sentimental tear jerker scenes between father and daughter but not quite enough good film value for me to recommend Father Of Invention for your viewing pleasure.

As a result I rate the film a 5 out of 10. Viewer beware of a weak script with little decent content.

Don't listen to the critics who pan this movie. Yes, it is predictable, and obvious. But the movie doesn't preach, condescend, take itself (too) seriously, or take its precious time going somewhere. This is actually better than I expected. No question about it, "Father of Invention" is great entertainment, and very effective. You don't have to be a "genius" to enjoy this movie. I could have done without the subplot regarding Heather Graham's lesbian character. I didn't feel it was necessary. It's just a plot device. And I would have loved to see John Stamos a lot more. With an interesting character as his, that one scene wasn't enough. Although he is mentioned near the end of the film. If you're looking for a quality movie to watch (and enjoy Kevin Spacey), this is that movie.

***1/2

I was quite surprised at all the ultra negative reviews regarding 'The Father of Invention.' Okay, I'll admit it isn't Kevin Spacey's finest film and obviously it isn't up to the standards of American Beauty, but I found it had a certain amount of charm to it.

Spacey plays a slick 'infomercial' salesman who ends up getting his good-life taken away from him when he goes to jail, thus leaving his wife and daughter high and dry. Fast forward eight years and he's released and desperate to make amends (not to mention lots of money).

It's not the most original of stories and you can probably predict the ending, but it is Kevin Spacey in the lead role and, slightly dubious script or not, he still lends plenty of heavyweight kudos to the whole affair. It's definitely a comedy/drama. If you're expecting a 'laugh-a-minute' affair then you'll be sorely disappointed, but I found it had enough humorous moments to keep me happy.

Like I say, predictable ending and plenty of 'lessons' to teach us, but if you're a fan of Kevin Spacey, it should keep you going until his next offering.