Flash of Genius
An ingenious Detroit professor risks his family and peace of mind to force the automobile industry to acknowledge the invention it took from him.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- sincere
- melancholic
- determined
- thoughtful weekend viewing
- true story movie night
What critics said
Critics generally found the film touching, well-written, and well-paced, with Greg Kinnear's performance standing out, though many viewed its conventional treatment and flat presentation as closer to a television movie than a compelling theatrical drama.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The story follows inventor Robert Kearns through his invention, corporate dispute, and prolonged legal battle.
Bob Kearns demands recognition and compensation from major automobile companies that used his invention while excluding him.
The Kearns family is presented as a 1960s Detroit household shaped by university work, automobiles, and Midwestern domestic life.
Years of litigation turn Bob's fight for acknowledgment into an obsession that strains his family and future.
Films like Flash of Genius, and why
The Insider
shared biographical drama, institutional conflict, and determined whistleblower protagonist
Erin Brockovich
shared true-story courtroom struggle, moral conviction, and ordinary person versus powerful institution theme
A Civil Action
shared corporate accountability drama, legal pressure, and idealistic protagonist confronting entrenched power
The Social Network
shared restrained biographical storytelling and professional obsession at significant personal cost
Movie Details
- Director
- Marc Abraham
- Release Date
- 2008-09-07
- Runtime
- 119 min
- Rating
- 6.6 / 10 (254)
Cast
- Greg Kinnear
- Lauren Graham
- Dermot Mulroney
- Jake Abel
- Daniel Roebuck
- Mitch Pileggi
- Tim Kelleher
- Bill Smitrovich
- Conor O'Farrell
- Alan Alda
Where to watch in United States
- 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 Flash of Genius about?
- An ingenious Detroit professor risks his family and peace of mind to force the automobile industry to acknowledge the invention it took from him.
- What is Flash of Genius like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Flash of Genius as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Flash of Genius violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Flash of Genius.
- What did critics think of Flash of Genius?
- Critics generally found the film touching, well-written, and well-paced, with Greg Kinnear's performance standing out, though many viewed its conventional treatment and flat presentation as closer to a television movie than a compelling theatrical drama.
- Which films are like Flash of Genius?
- Films with a similar feel include The Insider, Erin Brockovich, A Civil Action, and The Social Network.
- How long is Flash of Genius?
- Flash of Genius runs 119 minutes.
- Where can I watch Flash of Genius?
- In United States, Flash of Genius is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
