BlackBerry

BlackBerry

Two mismatched entrepreneurs – egghead innovator Mike Lazaridis and cut-throat businessman Jim Balsillie – joined forces in an endeavour that was to become a worldwide hit in little more than a decade. The device that one of them invented and the other sold was the BlackBerry, an addictive mobile phone that changed the way the world worked, played and communicated. But just as BlackBerry was rising to new peaks, it also started losing its way through the fog of Smartphone wars, management indecision and outside distractions, eventually leading to the breakdown of one of the most successful ventures in the history of the tech and business worlds.

  • Released: 2023-05-12
  • Runtime: 121 minutes
  • Genre: Comedy, Drama
  • Stars: Glenn Howerton, Rich Sommer, Saul Rubinek, Michael Ironside, Matt Johnson, Jay Baruchel, Cary Elwes, Martin Donovan, SungWon Cho, Michelle Giroux, Mark Critch, Ben Petrie, Ethan Eng
  • Director: Matt Johnson
 Comments
  • wrigco - 14 June 2024
    ah... blackberry bye bye
    Anybody who was anybody had a Blackberry back then. I remember how proud I was of mine too! After that came Nokia, who also experienced a massive fall from grace after stratospheric heights.

    I don't know how much of this is poetic licence - the characters seem to be too almost cartoonish. However, we all know how it turned out for them in the end. Despite knowing all this, I found myself dreading the end. I never found any of the characters very likeable but still, you can't but help rooting for them.

    How on earth did the NHL story just pop up like that out of nowhere..silly man.

    Sad, really. What could have been...
  • gettodamoofies - 12 April 2024
    "Why would anybody want a phone without a keyboard?"
    FILM: 8.0 BlackBerry is a refreshing take on the product-based biopic (buyopics?) genre. In an era where we've seen everything from Facebook to Tetris get the big screen treatment, this Canadian gem stands out from the pack.

    Directed by Matt Johnson and starring Jay Baruchel, BlackBerry chronicles the rise and fall of Research In Motion, the company behind the iconic smartphone. It's a rollercoaster ride from start to finish.

    Jay Baruchel and director Matt Johnson make a dynamic duo on screen, bringing to life the story of two friends who kickstarted the smartphone revolution. But it's Glenn Howerton who steals the show as the ruthless Jim Basillie, taking no prisoners as he drives the company to the top.

    What sets BlackBerry apart from other product-based biopics is its energy and humour. Sure, there's drama aplenty, but there's also a healthy dose of dry wit that keeps things light and entertaining.

    But what really sets this film apart is its willingness to explore the darker side of success. While it celebrates Research In Motion's meteoric rise, it also delves into their eventual downfall, serving as a cautionary tale on the perils of innovation without foresight.

    Overall, BlackBerry is a compelling commentary on intelligence, innovation, and the harsh realities of the business world. It's a refreshing departure from the typical rags-to-riches narrative, offering a nuanced look at the highs and lows of corporate success. So, if you're in the mood for a biopic with a twist, give BlackBerry a shot.

    FORMAT: Streaming

    VIDEO: 9.0 1080/24p streaming presentation Detail level: Excellent Colour reproduction: Good Level accuracy: Excellent Encode: Good Master condition: Excellent

    AUDIO: 9.0 Dolby Digital 5.1 streaming audio Dialogue reproduction: Excellent Soundtrack & effects clarity: Excellent Dynamics: Excellent Surround sound presentation: Good LFE content: Good

    MOOFIEMETER: 8.0.