Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- Moderate
- broad
- awkward
- sentimental
- lazy sunday
- light comedy night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the comedy ineffective and preachy, with an underdeveloped redemption story and generally unfavorable execution.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Robert Axle must rebuild both his billion-dollar business identity and his relationship with his estranged daughter after his inventions maim customers and send him to prison.
Robert needs Claire's permission to live with her, making their strained father daughter relationship the central emotional obstacle.
The infomercial guru's exaggerated ego clashes with his daughter's quirky household and over-protective roommates.
Robert's identity and fortune are built on selling inventions through infomercials, while the products' harmful consequences drive his downfall.
Films like Father of Invention, and why
The In-Laws
Shared workplace comedy, dysfunctional family dynamics, and an overconfident adult forced into personal reinvention.
The Family Man
Shared fish-out-of-water humor, eccentric adult protagonists, and warm but broadly comic family conflict.
Dan in Real Life
Shared redemption themes, father daughter tension, and accessible comedy-drama built around an emotionally immature protagonist.
Movie Details
- Director
- Trent Cooper
- Release Date
- 2010-02-14
- Runtime
- 93 min
- Rating
- 5.4 / 10 (185)
Cast
- Kevin Spacey
- Camilla Belle
- Heather Graham
- Virginia Madsen
- John Stamos
- Johnny Knoxville
- Michael Rosenbaum
- Mary Cobb
- Christine Quinn
- Anna Schafer
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Father of Invention about?
- A disgraced infomercial inventor leaves prison determined to reclaim his fortune, but repairing his relationship with his wary adult daughter proves harder than rebuilding a business.
- What is Father of Invention like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Father of Invention as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Father of Invention violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Father of Invention as moderate.
- What did critics think of Father of Invention?
- Critics broadly found the comedy ineffective and preachy, with an underdeveloped redemption story and generally unfavorable execution.
- Which films are like Father of Invention?
- Films with a similar feel include The In-Laws, The Family Man, and Dan in Real Life.
- How long is Father of Invention?
- Father of Invention runs 93 minutes.
- Where can I watch Father of Invention?
- In United States, Father of Invention streams on Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel.
