BlackBerry

Tells the story of the rapid rise and rapid demise of the “world’s first smartphone”.

I haven’t seen any of the new breed of ‘business biopics’ that have been coming out of late but I’m a nerd who remembers the rise of the smartphone so I figured perhaps I could start here. Seems more important than trainers.

First of all I was pleasantly surprised to find an unflinching account of the business, one that initially focuses on success but actually hinges around the launch of the iPhone in 2007 and the obliteration of the company by Apple. It’s not exactly a corporate hagiography.

BlackBerry has a sharply written, quick moving screenplay that’s really well acted out by its leads (Glenn Howerton in particular stands out). It probably won’t go down in history like The Social Network did but it’s nonetheless and competent and impactful film.

There’s are just enough “did that really happen” moments to keep you interested (yes, one of the co-CEOs did make several ill-fated attempts try to buy an ice hockey team), and the run time is right on the money.

Hardly a film that’ll blow you away and yet very hard to fault.