Flash of Genius

UNIVERSAL
Street: Feb. 17
Prebook: Jan. 6
> Capra-esque fable pits average Joe against big corporation.

Flash of Genius recounts the true-life story of Detroit mathematics professor Robert Kearns (played by Greg Kinnear), whose ’60s workshop tinkering led to the invention of the intermittent windshield wiper. Kearns approaches the Ford Co. with a proposal to manufacture the wiper exclusively for the auto giant, who then copies his patented design and incorporates it into their new models after giving him a polite brush-off. The infuriated professor brings suit against the mammoth corporation—a seemingly Quixotic undertaking that eventually wrecks his marriage and sends him to a mental institution. Lauren Graham is superb in the underwritten role of Robert’s long-suffering wife, and Alan Alda has a scene-stealing turn as the big-talking lawyer whom Kearns initially hires. But this is Kinnear’s show all the way, and when he gets his day in court during the movie’s third act, you’ll be reminded of Jimmy Stewart in Frank Capra’s Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

Shelf Talk: This box-office flop deserved a better fate, and Kinnear’s name recognition should make it a pretty solid mover on home video. Flash will appeal to those who enjoy modern-day David-versus-Goliath yarns, and with the Big Three auto companies in less than good favor these days, the film’s theme will resonate with consumers.