The Founder (12A)

First up, an apology - we strive to post reviews as soon after seeing the film as possible, but sadly with this one life kind of got in the way.

Granted you didn't know when we went, so this matters not a jot to you - but it matters to us so suck it up.

Secondly, I happily admit to having no particular interest in discovering the story behind a restaurant chain I haven't been into sober for more years than I care to count.

Thankfully, I did not let my disdain for sugary buns, dead animals wrapped in soggy lettuce and cooked potato that fails to be veggie or vegan colour my views...

Because whatever your views on this global fast-food pusher, this isn't a film about them.

No.

It's about the men who came up with the idea and the man who eventually took it off them.

And that is a film that is worth watching.

Especially when Michael Keaton is in this kind of form.

Keaton plays Ray Kroc, a travelling milkshake dispenser salesman who stumbles upon a small burger shop that's doing rather well.

Inspired, plus keen to make a quick buck, Kroc muscles into the lives of Dick and Mac McDonald (played wonderfully by Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch respectively) and turns their world inside down and upside out.

And it's Keaton who carries this film.

Make no bones about it, Kroc is a selfish, money grabber who is only ever out for himself - and yet Keaton makes us like him, forces us to actually root for him as he sets about spreading the McDonald name.

He may have left Mrs Kroc (a woefully underused Laura Dern) at home, but his apparent passion and commitment to this new venture sweeps all before him, audience included.

It helps that the nastier edges are softened by the use of archive footage capturing the early days of the brothers' attempts to make a go of things.

And the moving of the original burger stand is both fascinating and heartwarming.

Sadly, though, The Founder is not without its flaws.

Unsubtle directing flags up plot developments well ahead of time, while some editing mishaps jar a smidge.

Such matters don't get in the way of Keaton's performance, however.

He steals every scene and connects with the audience from the off - to the point that, when he starts being a git, you feel a friend has let you down slightly.

But no so much that you stop liking him.

A different actor would have given us a very different film.

The Founder won't change your life, but it's a great way to pass the time.

And it's probably more fulfilling and soul-nourishing than the food you could find yourself tempted to purchase afterwards...