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Created Feb 07, 2009 04:45PM PST • Edited Feb 07, 2009 04:45PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   OK 2.5

   An interesting movie taking us through the the trials (literally and figuratively) and tribulations of an inventor Bob Kearns (Greg Kinnear) who goes up against the corporate largesse of Ford over an idea he felt they stole. This movie may open your eyes when you realize that just like Bob, there are countless stories of inventors not getting their just rewards in a market that mostly compensates the shrewd. I was bummed that his marriage suffered as a result of his plight, and the movie didn’t really make the reasons sensible to me, but it was uplifting to see the support he had throughout from his kids.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

   Greg Kinnear is perfect for this sort of role, a wholesome, nice, family guy that has is passion and mission rule is life. I liked Lauren Grahm as Bob’s wife Phyllis — she added a warmth and balance, yet also highlighted the troubles of the inventor Bob. Alan Alda has a shoe-in role as a frustrated lawyer, and I think Bill Smitrovich deserves a mention as the sarcastic court judge.

5. Male Stars Good 3.0

6. Female Stars Good 3.0

7. Female Costars Good 3.0

8. Male Costars Good 3.0

10. Film

    OK 2.5

    Since this was based on a true story, there wasn’t really much that the writers could do, but I did find myself wishing they could alter history with respect to how things unfolded — perhaps granting Bob earlier victories and the ability to hold his marriage together. Oh well. The movie had a bit of a “made for TV” feel for me, but very well played and no boring moments.

11. Direction OK 2.5

12. Play OK 2.5

13. Music OK 2.5

14. Visuals OK 2.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Tame 1.0

17. Sex Innocent 1.0

18. Violence Gentle 1.0

19. Rudeness Polite 1.0

21. Reality

    Natural 1.0

22. Circumstantial Natural 1.0

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0