The Founder

In Saving Mr Banks, director John Lee Hancock chronicled how Walt Disney's charm offensive persuaded the creator of Mary Poppins to allow a movie adaptation of her precious novels. Hancock's follow-up is another tale of capitalist chutzpah-made-good, as we see downtrodden salesman Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton) grab his big chance when he visits a small burger restaurant named McDonald's. Agreeing franchising rights, Kroc's expansive plans then begin to cause friction with the eatery's original founders. Hancock's approach is non-committal, and we're left unsure whether he sees Kroc as a heroic visionary or a ruthless capitalist. But what's in no doubt is Keaton's dynamic performance, as he reveals Kroc to be a man who will step on everyone and everything to achieve his dream. It makes for uncomfortable viewing at times, but Keaton is utterly captivating, particularly when toying with the wholesome McDonald brothers, played by Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch.