Metascore

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 8 Critics What's this?

User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 4 Ratings

  • Summary: Robert Axle is an arrogant infomercial mogul whose empire collapses after one of his products maims thousands of consumers. After 8 years in prison, he tries to rebuild his fortune, but must first reconnect with his estranged daughter, her man-hating roommate, his boneheaded new employer, the ex-wife who squandered his fortune, and the ruthless executive who took over his company. Can a man who’s lost everything devise a way to get back on top? (Anchor Bay Entertainment) Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 8
  2. Negative: 2 out of 8
  1. Reviewed by: Ronnie Scheib
    Oct 12, 2011
    50
    Colorless exposition and a lack of imagination or wit stall Father of Invention at the starting gate.
  2. Reviewed by: Lou Lumenick
    Oct 14, 2011
    50
    Make no mistake, Father of Invention is the hilarious Spacey's show all the way.
  3. Reviewed by: Eric Hynes
    Oct 18, 2011
    40
    Spacey is ever the pro, shilling Axle's absurd redemption and countenancing the likes of Johnny Knoxville and John Stamos as if a third Oscar were in the offing. Yet his female costars fare worse, forming an unfortunate collection of dismal, man-dependent stereotypes, from Belle's perma-pouting idealist to Heather Graham's breast-obsessed, sapphic-by-choice ballbuster.
  4. Reviewed by: Nick Schager
    Oct 12, 2011
    38
    There's no spark or humor to the film's situations, just the sense of capable actors trying to make the best of a hopeless situation.

See all 8 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of
  2. Mixed: 0 out of
  3. Negative: 0 out of