Flash of Genius
Flash of Genius Image
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Metascore
57 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 25 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.6 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Starring: Greg Kinnear, Lauren Graham
  • Summary: Based on the true story of college professor and part-time inventor Robert Kearns' long battle with the U.S. automobile industry, Flash of Genius tells the tale of one man whose fight to receive recognition for his ingenuity would come at a heavy price. But this determined engineer refused to be silenced, and he took on the corporate titans in a battle that nobody thought he could win. (Universal Pictures)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 25
  3. Negative: 1 out of 25
  1. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: Michael Sragow
    100
    It's exhilarating in an authentic, pathos-streaked way to see Kearns, through Greg Kinnear's inspired characterization of a wary obsessive, representing himself during his trial against Ford Motor Co. for stealing his design.
  2. Rolling Stone
    Reviewed by: Peter Travers
    75
    Kearns' conflict is readable in Kinnear's every word and gesture. His performance is worth cheering.
  3. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Joe Neumaier
    60
    It's not a lightning show, but "Flash" still shines.
  4. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Robert Wilonsky
    20
    Greg Kinnear, usually kinetic, is unusually (and unbearably) dull.

See all 25 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. LindaK.
    10
    Engrossing throughout. Lots of lovely, subtle things in the setting. The way Greg Kinnear played Kearns, the viewer understood why he could not quit the quest. Alan Alda surprise me because I had type cast him into being a very honorable character instead of a very practical one.… Expand
  2. BobW
    8
    Not flashy, but an engrossing story with good performances. Literate, simple, and enjoyable.
  3. JonathanC
    7
    Its not a movie that stands out in any way and if it was not for Kinear's decent acting (not incredible, but decent), the movie would have done far worse. Kinear definitely carried out his portrayal to make the film believable and there are some other saving performances. The movie makes a visible lifte when Alan Alda makes his appearance. Also on the plus, it was shot well and pacing was acceptable. On the negative side, its predictable and a little too toned down. To quote a character "Let's tone down the language." (against Ford). The movie could have listed the countless other inventors marginalized and by corporations and could have made a much stronger statement.… Expand
  4. MikeE.
    4
    pretty weak. They took a terrific story line and made it boring.

See all 10 User Reviews

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