The Founder
The Founder
The story of Ray Kroc, a salesman who turned two brothers' innovative fast food eatery, McDonald's, into the biggest restaurant business in the world, with a combination of ambition, persistence, and ruthlessness.
Manuel Frangis reviewedMarch 17, 2025
I just watched The Founder, and it is an easy 5 out of 5 stars for me. This is one of those movies that grabs your attention from the start and never lets go. It is fascinating, well acted, and tells a story that is as inspiring as it is unsettling. If you are interested in business, ambition, or just a great character driven film, this is a must watch.
Michael Keaton delivers an incredible performance as Ray Kroc. He brings so much energy and charisma to the role, making the character feel real and complex. You do not just watch his journey. You feel like you are right there with him as he navigates the challenges of building an empire. Keaton plays him with just the right mix of charm and ruthlessness, keeping you engaged even when you do not always agree with his choices.
The story itself is fascinating. It is not just about the rise of McDonald’s. It is about determination, business strategy, and the lengths some people will go to in order to succeed. The way the film presents the business side of things is incredibly engaging, making complex ideas feel accessible and exciting. You see every step of how McDonald’s became a global giant, and it is just as much a story of power as it is of innovation.
One of the things that makes The Founder so great is how well it balances different tones. It has moments that are funny, tense, and even emotional. The pacing is excellent, keeping you invested from beginning to end. There is never a dull moment. Every scene adds something important to the story, and the way it builds momentum makes it impossible to look away.
The cinematography and production design do a great job of capturing the time period. Every detail feels authentic, from the diners to the cars to the way people talk. The film does not just tell a story. It immerses you in it. The visual style is clean and sharp, making everything feel polished but never distracting from the performances.
Beyond the business side, The Founder is also a character study. It explores the nature of ambition and what it takes to succeed in a competitive world. It does not give you easy answers. Instead, it presents Ray Kroc as a complex figure, letting you decide whether he is a visionary or simply an opportunist. That level of depth is what makes the film so compelling.
The supporting cast is also great. Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch bring a lot to their roles, adding layers to the story. The interactions between the characters feel real, making the business conflicts even more intense. Laura Dern also does a great job in her role, adding another emotional element to the film.
One of the best things about The Founder is that it sticks with you long after the credits roll. It is the kind of movie that makes you think about success, ethics, and what it really means to build something great. It does not take sides. It just presents the story and lets you draw your own conclusions. That is what makes it so powerful.
This is one of the best business movies I have ever seen. It is entertaining, well made, and filled with great performances. Whether you are a fan of history, business, or just great storytelling, this is a movie you need to watch. The Founder is more than just a movie. It is a lesson in ambition, strategy, and the cost of success. Definitely one of my favorites, and one I will keep coming back to.