Flash of Genius

2008 PG-13 2h 0m DVD

Flash of Genius

2008 PG-13 2h 0m DVD
  • Overview
  • Details
In this David vs. Goliath drama based on a true story, college professor Robert Kearns (Greg Kinnear) goes up against the giants of the auto industry when they fail to give him credit for inventing intermittent windshield wipers. Kearns doggedly pursues recognition for his invention, as well as the much-deserved financial rewards for the sake of his wife (Lauren Graham) and six kids. Alan Alda and Dermot Mulroney also star.
Cast
Greg Kinnear, Lauren Graham, Dermot Mulroney, Alan Alda, Bill Smitrovich, Mitch Pileggi, Daniel Roebuck, Tim Kelleher, Aaron Abrams, Chuck Shamata, Andrew Gillies
Director
Marc Abraham
Format
DVD
Screen
Widescreen Anamorphic 2.40:1
Subtitles
English SDH, French, Spanish (Neutral)
CC
No
Audio
English: Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish (Neutral): Dolby Digital 5.1
Rating
PG-13 - Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Parents are urged to be cautious. Some material may be inappropriate for pre-teenagers.
age 13+
Common Sense rating OK for kids 13+
age 13+

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this fact-based "feel good" drama focuses on a determined man's unflagging quest to receive credit for his invention. Ultimately, it's heartening to see how far he gets, though some scenes may be overwhelming for very young children (for example, when the main character has a nervous breakdown). At times, the protagonist seems neglectful of his marriage and kids, but overall they're close and supportive. There's some swearing (including "s--t" and one use of "f--k"), social drinking, and smoking, but there's no violence or age-inappropriate sexual content.

Sexual Content

A little bit of kissing and sexual innuendo.

Violence

A man shows up unannounced at a company event and makes a scene; he's ushered out by security. A man throws a drink at a car. Otherwise, the battles are largely in the courtroom.

Language

Some use -- at times by children -- of the words "bastard," "damn," and "s--t." One use of "f--k."

Social Behavior

A large company betrays a man who decides to fight obsessively to get the credit he thinks is rightfully his. To a certain extent, he sacrifices his family life in doing so. Nevertheless, the family is portrayed as supportive and encouraging, even in times of great difficulty.

Consumerism

Since the film is set in Detroit, there are many mentions of the big American automotive companies: Ford, Chrysler, GM. Car decals and logos are displayed, as is signage for dealerships and manufacturers. Some mention of Case Western University and Pepsi.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Some social drinking; some smoking by minor characters (accurate for the time period).

  • Age appropriate
  • Not an issue
  • Depends on your child and your family
  • Parents strongly cautioned
  • Not appropriate for kids of the age

This information for parents is provided by Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving kids' media lives.

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