Watch Father of Invention

Father of Invention is a drama-comedy film directed by Trent Cooper and starring Kevin Spacey, Camilla Belle, and Heather Graham. The film follows the story of Robert Axle (Spacey), a billionaire inventor who loses everything after one of his inventions, a fitness machine called the Ab Clicker, malfunctions and causes users to lose their fingers. Axle spends eight years in prison and, upon his release, is determined to redeem himself by creating a new product that will revolutionize the industry and regain the trust of his family and the public.

The film opens with Robert Axle being released from prison and discovering that he has lost everything, including his house, company, and family. He finds himself living with his daughter Claire (Belle) and her roommate Phoebe (Virginia Madsen), working at a big-box store, and struggling to make ends meet. Despite his dismal situation, Axle remains fixated on redeeming himself and creating a new product that will fix his reputation.

In his quest for redemption, Axle enlists the help of a group of misfits, including a former massage parlor employee named Donna (Graham) and a homeless man named Darrell (Craig Robinson). Together, they work on developing a new product, but their efforts are hampered by various obstacles, including lack of funding and legal troubles.

As the story progresses, we see Axle's relationships with his daughter, ex-wife (Virginia Madsen), and former business partner (Johnny Knoxville) change and develop in unexpected ways. We also witness Axle's transformation from a selfish and arrogant businessman into a more compassionate and thoughtful individual who learns to appreciate the value of human connections.

Father of Invention is a funny, heartwarming, and thought-provoking film that explores the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and second chances. Kevin Spacey delivers a strong performance as Robert Axle, skillfully portraying both his arrogance and vulnerability. Camilla Belle also shines as Claire, bringing depth and nuance to her character. Heather Graham is delightful as Donna, providing comic relief and serving as a catalyst for Axle's personal growth. The supporting cast, including Johnny Knoxville and Craig Robinson, also deliver commendable performances.

The film's production design, cinematography, and soundtrack are also noteworthy, effectively capturing the gritty and chaotic atmosphere of Axle's life and the world around him. The film's pacing is also well-done, seamlessly blending comedy and drama and keeping the audience engaged from start to finish.

In summary, Father of Invention is a well-crafted and entertaining film that showcases Kevin Spacey's talent and delivers a powerful message about the importance of relationships, humility, and the pursuit of inner peace. While the film may not be a commercial success, it is certainly worth watching for those who appreciate character-driven stories and thought-provoking themes.

Father of Invention is a 2011 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7 and a MetaScore of 36.