‘Flash’ a David-vs.-Goliath tale

Movie: "Flash of Genius"

When: Opening Friday at local theaters

Cast: Greg Kinnear •, Alan Alda, Lauren Graham, Dermot Mulroney

Director: Marc Abraham

The story: A Midwestern college professor (Kinnear) takes on Detroit automakers who, he alleges, stole his idea for the intermittent windshield wiper.

The buzz: This fact-based, David-vs.-Goliath tale is Kinnear's second starring role this fall (he also plays "Ghost Town's" lead ghost) and marks the directorial debut of veteran producer Abraham, whose credits range from "Bring It On's" cheerleader comedy to "Children of Men's" future shock.