BlackBerry tells the true story of one of the first smartphones in a way that is not only entertaining, but absolutely hilarious at times.
Everyone knows what a smartphone is now, and everyone has one. But there was a time when the idea of a phone that could also be a computer was just a fantasy. That is until Mike Lazaridis discovered a way to combine the two, plus a pager. And the world hasn’t looked back since.
He needed the help of Jim Balsillie, who comes off as a greedy businessman who immediately starts to take advantage of Mike. However, he is able to boost the company to the top of the food chain, despite numerous competitors being right on their tails. That is, until Apple releases the iPhone.
This might be a well known story, at least for some people, but BlackBerry finds a way of keepers viewers entertained all the way. Somehow I found myself rooting for the BlackBerry to never meet its demise, even though I knew there was no way around it.
Jay Baruchel plays Mike in the film. Glenn Howerton takes on the role of Jim. Both of these actors are extremely talented and know how to deliver perfect comedic timing, which comes in handy with this film. It is subtly hilarious and offers a similar humor to past projects of the two actors, while at the same time giving the audience quite a bit of drama as well.
Telling a true story is never easy. Not only do a lot of viewers already know the end results, the majority of them will know all about the journey as well. If you aren’t a tech geek, you might not know all of the details surrounding the rise and fall of the BlackBerry, though, and that is where this film leans in.
Sure, most of us know that they aren’t really a thing anymore, and that Apple and Android have completely taken over the market for smartphones, but we don’t all know about Mike, Doug (Matt Johnson), and Jim, and their roles in all of it.
This film does a great job at leaning into the intensity and truly making it seem like there are high stakes here. It constantly feels like the Research In Motion team is pressed for time, and up against the clock, which I have to imagine they felt like when the events were unfolding. For a movie that is nearly two hours, it doesn’t feel it. This is largely in part due to the pacing and once again, that is always feels like time is running out.
Mike is the relatable one and Jim, though definitely helping out the company, seems to always be looking out for himself. Mike’s evolution from the start of the film to the end, however, is also a major part of why BlackBerry works as well as it does. And that is all a testament to Jay Baruchel and what he puts into this character.
Matt Johnson wrote the script, directs the film, and even plays the very key role of Mike’s best friend and business partner. All too often we see someone wear too many hats, become stretched thin, and allow that take bits away from a movie.
Matt doesn’t do this here. He pulls off what feels like the impossible, and succeeds in every single one of these roles.
Overall Thoughts
BlackBerry is proof that smart writing can make any subject entertaining, to just about any audience member. Even those who are not into technology can easily be sucked into this story. The cast is fantastic, and breathes a life into these roles that makes them feel real.
The themes and messages about greed are very apparent throughout, but so are those about believing in yourself and working hard to accomplish what you want to do. The third act will have most people on the edge of their seats, waiting to see how it all unfolds — even though they already know.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
NEXT: Hypnotic 2023 Review
About BlackBerry
BlackBerry tells the story of Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, the two men that charted the course of the spectacular rise and catastrophic demise of the world’s first smartphone.
