FLASH OF GENIUS

RYAN: “Flash of Genius” is similar in tone to “Erin Brockovich,” but it has less passion and spark.

CAROLINE: I’m disappointed that I didn’t get to see this movie with you because I thought the trailer looked very interesting. It’s one of those based-on-a-true-story invention movies and it covers a topic I’d never even thought about. Plus it stars Greg Kinnear and – hello – he’s adorable.

RYAN: He’s very good in it, as always, but the character he plays is so dowdy, gawky and socially inept that it slows the film down. The movie was also a little technical; but I liked it overall.

CAROLINE: I can’t say I’d given a lot of thought to the guy who invented the intermittent windshield wiper, but it seems like a cool underdog story.

RYAN: I like the whole aspect of the trial and how he represents himself in court and he’s one man fighting against a huge corporation. These kinds of stories are some of my favorites in movies. However, in order for them to work, you really need to believe halfway through the movie that the protagonist isn’t going to win. Sadly, in this film, I kinda knew all along what the outcome was going to be. That’s why it lacked spark.

CAROLINE: How’s the chick from “Gilmore Girls”?

RYAN: Lauren Graham. She was on “Ellen” recently and she was very loopy. She’s fine in the movie, but she’s not one of my favorite actresses. There are a million other actresses who could have done this role just as well. She’s kind of bland.

CAROLINE: I can see that. Does she at least get to wear cute ’60s outfits?

RYAN: Not really. The design is period-accurate, but nothing stunning. The movie really focuses more on the story.

CAROLINE: I can’t say your description is really making me want to rush out and see it.

RYAN: Don’t get me wrong; it’s a good movie. But it’s not a must-see in the theater. It would have been just as good on DVD, let’s say.

CAROLINE: Fair enough. You may have just saved me 12 bucks. Bottom line?

RYAN: It’s well written and well performed. Depending on other male roles this year, it could be an important role for Greg Kinnear during awards season; but I doubt it.

CAROLINE: So I can wait to watch it on a plane someday.

RYAN: That would be perfect.