The Founder (2016) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
The Founder (2016) is a biographical drama directed by John Lee Hancock, featuring Michael Keaton in a compelling portrayal of Ray Kroc, the man who transformed McDonald’s from a local burger joint into a global fast-food empire. The film delves into the origins of one of the world’s most recognizable brands, exploring themes of ambition, innovation, and ethical compromise.
Plot Summary
The film chronicles the rise of McDonald’s from its humble beginnings in the 1950s to its expansion into a global franchise. It starts with Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton), a struggling milkshake machine salesman, discovering a small but successful restaurant in San Bernardino, California, run by the McDonald brothers, Dick (Nick Offerman) and Mac (John Carroll Lynch). The brothers have developed a revolutionary “Speedee Service System” that streamlines food preparation and sets the stage for fast-food efficiency.
Kroc is impressed by the restaurant’s efficiency and sees the potential for nationwide expansion. He convinces the McDonald brothers to let him franchise their concept, promising to maintain their high standards while growing the brand. However, as the franchise expands, Kroc’s vision for McDonald’s becomes increasingly ambitious, leading to conflicts with the McDonald brothers over control and the direction of the business.
The film portrays Kroc’s aggressive business tactics, his cunning, and his eventual maneuvers to outmaneuver the McDonald brothers and claim full ownership of the McDonald’s name. It also highlights the ethical dilemmas and personal sacrifices involved in the process of building a business empire.
Critical Reception
The Founder was generally well-received by critics, with particular praise for Michael Keaton’s performance. Keaton’s portrayal of Ray Kroc captures the complexities of a man driven by ambition and the moral compromises he makes in pursuit of success. His performance is both charismatic and morally ambiguous, reflecting the dual nature of Kroc’s character.
The film’s direction by John Lee Hancock and the screenplay by Robert Siegel were also noted for their ability to balance historical drama with engaging storytelling. The film effectively captures the rise of McDonald’s while exploring broader themes of business ethics and personal ambition.
Critics appreciated the film’s focus on the business aspects of McDonald’s growth, though some felt that it did not fully delve into the more controversial aspects of Kroc’s character and the impact on the McDonald brothers. Overall, The Founder provides an intriguing look at the origins of one of the world’s most successful fast-food chains and the man behind its expansion.
Themes and Analysis
The Founder explores several key themes:
- Ambition and Innovation: The film highlights Ray Kroc’s relentless drive to transform McDonald’s into a nationwide phenomenon. Kroc’s ability to recognize the potential in the McDonald brothers’ restaurant and his subsequent efforts to scale the business are central to the film’s narrative. It showcases the role of innovation and visionary thinking in business success.
- Ethical Compromises: Kroc’s journey is marked by ethical dilemmas and compromises. The film raises questions about the moral cost of success and the extent to which personal ambition can justify questionable business practices. Kroc’s treatment of the McDonald brothers and his aggressive tactics illustrate the often harsh realities of the business world.
- Business Dynamics: The film delves into the dynamics of franchising and the complexities of managing and scaling a business. It provides insights into the challenges of maintaining quality and consistency while expanding rapidly.
- Personal Sacrifice: The film also explores the personal sacrifices that accompany Kroc’s success, including strained relationships and the impact on his personal life. Kroc’s pursuit of business success comes at a cost, highlighting the tension between professional achievements and personal fulfillment.
Where to Watch The Founder Online
If you’re interested in watching The Founder (2016), several streaming and rental options are available:
1. Streaming Services
- Disney+: As a Disney film, The Founder is available for streaming on Disney+. Subscribers to this service can watch the film along with a range of other Disney properties, including films and series from the 20th Century Fox catalog.
- Hulu: The Founder may also be available for streaming on Hulu. This platform offers a variety of films and TV shows, including recent releases and classics.
2. Rental/Purchase Services
- Amazon Video: You can rent or purchase The Founder on Amazon Video. Rental prices typically start around $3.99, while purchasing the film usually costs around $12.99. Amazon’s platform allows you to stream the film on various devices linked to your account.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Google Play offers rental and purchase options for The Founder. Rentals generally cost about $3.99, with purchase options starting at approximately $12.99. The film can be streamed on Android devices and via YouTube.
- Apple iTunes: The Founder is available for rental or purchase on Apple iTunes. Renting costs around $3.99, and purchasing the film typically costs $12.99. It can be streamed on any Apple device.
- Vudu: Vudu provides rental and purchase options for The Founder, with prices similar to those on other platforms. Vudu’s user-friendly service is compatible with most devices, making it a convenient choice for viewing the film.
Conclusion
The Founder (2016) offers a fascinating look at the origins of McDonald’s and the ambitious figure behind its transformation into a global empire. Michael Keaton’s standout performance and the film’s exploration of business ethics and personal ambition make it a compelling watch. Whether you’re interested in the history of McDonald’s, the dynamics of business, or just enjoy a well-crafted biographical drama, The Founder provides an engaging and thought-provoking experience.
With several streaming and rental options available, it’s easy to access and enjoy this film.
