Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.5
Overall		3.5

Father of Invention Blu-ray Movie Review

Solid values, a fine script, and quality acting yield one of 2010's better under-the-radar pictures.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman October 25, 2011

It’s not always the kids that get lost.

It's not always the big dollar action movies, the raunchy summer comedies, or the digital kid's fare that make for the best movies. Sometimes, it's the movie with the biggest heart, the most honest story, the closest connection to reality that makes not only the best entertainment, but the most meaningful cinema. One such movie is Father of Invention, a little semi-obscure Comedy/Drama that really touches the heart. Its about real people with real problems, good people with troubled pasts looking for a clean break from yesterday with an eye towards the future. It's about finding not what makes them rich, but what makes them whole. It's a movie that might border on the fantastical but nevertheless remains firmly grounded and very relatable. It's a slice-of-life movie with good values and a big heart, a story of personal redemption that speaks on the real value of family and the true worth of real personal wealth.

Rearranging priorities.

Robert Axle (Kevin Spacey) is a "fabricator." He combines ordinary, everyday products into miracles that make life easier, and he pitches them on TV (sorry, no C.O.D.s; have your credit card ready and dial right now). Whether morphing night lights, dinosaurs, and humidifiers; cameras and pepper spray cans; or remote controls and ab rollers; he's always coming up with the next must-have gadget for the gullible consumer. But it's that latter invention that will change his life forever. No, it doesn't make him richer. It sends him to jail. When the machine is found to be faulty and customers begin losing fingers, he's sent to prison for ten years. The charge: "depraved indifference to human life." Ten years later, and he's out on parole without a penny to his name or a place to call home. His ex-wife Lorraine (Virginia Madsen) has re-married a man who may just be Robert's biggest fan (Craig Robinson). His daughter Claire (Camilla Belle) finally takes pity on him and allows him to move in with her and her two roommates (Anna Anissimova and Heather Graham). After losing his temporary job at Family Mart and getting on the bad side of boss Tony (Johnny Knoxville), Robert decides he'll have to re-invent himself -- and maybe scrounge together an idea or two for the next big thing -- if he's going to write his own ticket not towards a second foray into fame and fortune, but a trip towards living a right and happy life.

Father of Invention expertly blends easy-breezy cinema with heartfelt emotion and real people. The movie's laughs are both offset by and made contextually more funny because there's no disconnect between them and the greater drama. The humor is subtle but effective as the picture develops its characters and the various situations in and through which they must live, work, and learn. But the film is comprised primarily of light and meaningful drama that sees its main character discover that life is the ultimate fabrication, that it's a collection of experiences, beliefs, actions, relationships, mistakes, and successes that make a man, not the monetary wealth to his name or the number of products on his resumé. The movie wonderfully ties everything together at film's end; it's all very well thought out but the story never feels forced, telegraphed, or in any way lessened to work around the meaning. There's a wonderfully natural and honest flow to it that enhances the story, solidifies the characters, and reinforces the important but simple message of what really matters in life.

Just as important, the movie makes its point and gently pulls on the heartstrings without manipulating the viewer. That's thanks to a trio of factors: a solid and well-conceived script, steady direction, and a wonderful performance from Kevin Spacey. Spacey delivers a performance that's multi-layered but genuine. His ability to gently glide Robert Axle through the movie and transform the character is a thing of beauty. It's not a fundamental transformation but, perhaps, something more along the line to a return to one's roots. Spacey seems to understand both the character and his emotional plight quite well. The dichotomy between work and family, between internal and external wealth and success are both expertly conveyed. Spacey proves again his range and why he's one of this era's best actors by playing the part so well at both extremes and in the transitional middle ground with grace, understanding, and heart. It's a good, honest performance of a good, honest character. The supporting cast is strong -- including a surprisingly complex and complete effort by Johnny Knoxville -- but there's no doubt that it's Spacey and his mastery of the character and script that helps make Father of Invention such a cheery, good-natured, and heartfelt picture.

Father of Invention Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release of Father of Invention cranks out a solid all-around 1080p transfer. The image is richly clear and naturally vibrant. Colors are great; they're bold and exciting throughout the entire palette, whether Robert's company's bright blue backdrop, the yellow of a taxicab, Family Mart's mustard-colored employee vests, or the many colorful odds and ends found throughout that store. Fine detail is just as strong. Skin and clothing textures are of a high quality, while various building façades, the worn and tattered walls in Claire's home, the accumulated dirt on Robert's face after his departure from prison, or again the clarity of the many objects around the Family Mart store, are superb. The image is wonderfully stable and handsome; even the digital photography presents no real problems in the areas of banding or excess glossiness. Black levels are rich and accurate. Blocking, noise, and other unwanted intrusions are largely absent. This is a nice looking release from Anchor Bay.

Father of Invention Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Father of Invention's Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack is structurally generic, but the presentation is more than satisfactory. There's just not much going on here. Music is suitably clear and spacious, enjoying fair surround support. Minor ambience -- chirping birds, passing traffic, or light background chatter at a party -- is handled adequately and without major flaw. The track offers a nicely full and immersing effect when an auditorium of people applaud near the end of the movie, making for what is probably the sonic highlight of the entire presentation. Dialogue remains center-based and always clear. There's nothing memorable about this presentation; the movie uses its soundtrack only as a necessary support structure. Anchor Bay's track nevertheless conveys what little the movie has to offer with the utmost clarity and precision.

Father of Invention Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Father of Invention contains only the featurette The Making of 'Father of Invention' (480p, 14:05).

Father of Invention Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Father of Invention, pardon the pun, just works. The movie is tender and goodhearted. Its message is simple but finely worked into an interesting plot, supported by a strong character arc and a wonderful little performance by Kevin Spacey. His supporting cast is good, but he and his character make the movie what it is. It's borderline family-friendly for its good morals and emphasis on the importance of family, but there are some adult situations and themes that don't lessen the movie but might slightly shrink its potential audience. Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release of Father of Invention yields strong video and audio but contains only one supplement. This is a movie worth adding to the collection, but given its relative lack of extras, it's probably wise to wait until it's placed on a good sale.