Review of Flash of Genius (2008) by Jason S — 29 Mar 2009

The best part about going to see a movie I have never heard of is that there are no expectations, no big opening or major promotional push or at least not until a week or two before the release.

Flash of Genius is a classic David vs. Goliath battle, a man's invention is stolen and despite many bribery attempts, losing his wife, estranged from his kids for a decade (they came back)l; he is bent on proving that he made this invention and deserves full credit for it. This little guy vs. big guy formula never really gets old when used properly. Greg Kinnear gives a solid performance overcoming the odds and receiving justice.

My big issues with the film were the time jumps. There were at least five time jumps that I would have like to seen a little developed especially when he is in the mental institution. They spent one scene with him and the doctor and he's free. The opening scene was not needed at all and in fact kind of ruined the anticipation of what happen to this man. I think if that first flashback is not this film, it helps the audience feel more for the character rather then knowing right away that something bad happen. That particular opening scene made me not like the film as much because he was already a wreck so after this scene and they go back to when he was a happy inventor family man, I was like, "thanks for ruining the movie." Overall, it is a solid movie of overcoming the odds and triumphant. Try to see a matinee.