Today’s quick review: Father of Invention. Ten years ago, invention magnate Robert Axle (Kevin Spacey) was the head of a billion-dollar company. Now he’s a penniless ex-convict with a reputation for selling defective products. Trying to get back on his feet, Robert stays with his estranged daughter Claire (Camilla Belle) and tries to patch up his relationship with her. Meanwhile, he gambles what little he has left on one more invention.
Father of Invention is a comedy about an inventor trying to stage a comeback. Kevin Spacey stars as Robert Axle, whose marketable ideas and knack for hype make him a great businessman and a terrible father. The movie follows his increasingly desperate attempts to get back in the game while trying to pick up the pieces of his family life. Decent humor and a functional story make Father of Invention a modest but enjoyable watch.
Father of Invention’s greatest strength is its main character. Robert Axle used to be able to spin any situation to his advantage, but with his reputation in shambles, he’s out of options. The shadow of his old life, the desperate hope of his latest invention, and his tenuous relationship with his daughter give the story enough material to work with. Meanwhile, Robert’s flagrant attempts at manipulation drive the movie’s humor.
However, Father of Invention has a hard time crossing the line from adequate to exceptional. Robert Axle is only so deep a character, and one or two moments of contrition are not enough to make him sympathetic. His relationship with Claire has everything it needs but not a lot more. One the comedy side, Axle’s routine as a desperate salesman wears thin after a while, and none of the jokes are truly outstanding.
Give Father of Invention a shot when you’re in the mood for a light comedy with just a touch of heart. Father of Invention is not as polished as some other comedies, either in terms of its jokes or its emotional arc, but it does deliver what it promises. Accommodating viewers will find it charming. Exacting viewers will find that its vision is not quite strong enough.
For Kevin Spacey in a similar comedic role, try Casino Jack. For a more memorable comedy about the rise and fall of a master manipulator, try The Wolf of Wall Street. For a dramatic comedy about a down-on-his-luck businessman trying to talk his way back to success, check out Solitary Man. For a raunchier comedy about sales, try The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard.
[5.8 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1381505/). I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for good ideas, a well-cast lead, and flawed execution.