In Father of Invention, Kevin Spacey is Robert Axle, an infomercial guru who made his success – and his fortune – inventing products. Actually, he calls them “fabrications” instead of inventions because he takes different items and combines them to create one very special product.
Fabrications
One of his products combines a night-light with a humidifier in the shape of a dinosaur, which is appealing to kids and gives parents a sense of relief because their kids can sleep better with this in their rooms. Axle configured this product, which was his first, because of his daughter who needed a humidifier and slept with a night-light. It was a huge seller.
Another fabrication was pepper spray combined with a camera. This way a victim can protect her/himself with the pepper spray and at the same time take a photo of the attacker. When you think about it, this is really a cool idea. It would help police apprehend the attacker by providing them with a photo of the incident. I hope someone actually does come up with this product.
And yet another fabrication combines the ab-roller with a television remote. This lets viewers exercise while using their remote. What ended up happening, however, was that the product wasn’t completely tested and it ended up cutting of fingers of some of its users. Because of this, Robert Axle was sent to prison for eight years.
The Plot
The story now begins. Robert Axle is released from prison and starts on the road to regaining his self-esteem and good reputation. He doesn’t figure on it being as tough a road as it actually is. His daughter Claire (Camilla Belle) is apprehensive about letting him back in her life, but relents. His ex-wife (Virginia Madsen) has remarried and does not want anything to do with him.
Claire and her roommates (Heather Graham and Anna Anissimova) reluctantly let Axle stay in their house – on the couch, while he tried to get his life in order. Although he gets a job at a major discount store, which doesn’t last long, Axle is always concocting new ideas and is sure one of them will put him back on top.
While he was in prison, his associate (John Stamos) took over his empire and is now the reigning king of inventions and infomercials. But there is one thing he doesn’t have. That is the drive and flair of Robert Axle.
The Film
The story is about a man reconnecting with his daughter. It starts out humorous and viewers will think it will stay that way. But they are in for a surprise. This is considered a comedy but it is not a laugh-out-loud comedy. With the exception of the opening segment, the majority of the film is the often distressing story of Robert Axle’s commitment to return to the limelight and regain his reputation.
Kevin Spacey is, as always, in top form. He is the only reason this movie is worth seeing. Spacey combines heart with humor, which is often difficult to do. But he does it brilliantly. Kevin Spacey drives the film with his brilliance.
Father of Invention has a theatrical engagement date for October 14, 2011 with the DVD release October 25, 2011. Yes, that is a bit strange. If you are a Spacey fan, then you will enjoy it.
- Father of Invention
- Theatrical Release: October 14, 2011
- Blu-ray or DVD Release: October 25, 2011
- Studio: Anchor Bay Films
- Rated: PG-13
- Running Time: 93 minutes
