The Founder

By: Jamie Steinberg

The movie The Founder is the origin story of the fast food chain McDonalds. We follow Ray Kroc during 1955 as he parlays the McDonald brother’s idea into an extraordinary food franchise.

Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton) is a driven yet struggling restaurant supply salesman. By chance he stumbles upon a hamburger stand that is built on an ingenious design by brothers Dick (Nick Offerman) and Mac McDonald (John Carroll Lynch). He is taken aback by their assembly line of food prep that utilizes semi-automation while still maintaining strict consistency with food delivery. He ends up striking up a contract with them so they can begin to franchise their idea.

While Kroc’s success begins to grow there is a darkness and ruthless side to him that eventually helps project him into becoming a billionaire. Yet, it comes at a price of losing all that is decent and honest within him. By 1961 Kroc has purchased the full rights to McDonald’s, which involves buying Dick and Mac McDonald out. Unfortunately, this has come to relegate the brothers’ existence to almost ghost-like status when it comes to the food chain’s fame.

The story may turn some off as it honestly depicts the highs and lows of becoming successful, often times leaving loved ones and important players in the dust. Kroc may not have founded the restaurant chain; however, he was able to use the McDonald’s family recipe and make it into a standard for fast food operations.

Special features on The Founder include a “Behind-the-Scenes Gallery” from filming the movie and a press conference with the cast.

Final Rating: You should never forget those that matter to you on the way up. A-