Double Feature: BlackBerry & Sisu

 

    That's right, my beautiful readers; it's time again for another Double Feature Review. Two movie reviews for the price of one! 

    Both movies in this review are of excellent quality and provide unique experiences, as any good movie should. While both are recommended by me, their being in a Double Feature Review should maintain their potential for enjoyment. There's not much to say about these movies other than they're well done and absolutely worth your time. Perhaps one more so than the other, but we'll get to that soon. 

    Let's start off with something simple yet complex. 

For Rent on Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, and YouTube 

    The early days of mobile phones (before the arrival of the iPhone) were a time of wonder and invention. The idea of transforming a pocket-sized device into a portable computer was unheard of when mobile phones were just phones. Colorful bricks that could send and receive calls, and that was it for a while. It was when a group of talented nerds at the Research In Motion Company introduced the world to the BlackBerry, one of the first efforts towards portable computing, mobile phones, and text messaging all in one. 

    BlackBerry, the movie, chronicles the rise and fall of the early Titan of mobile phones. The story follows a timid but brilliant inventor, Mike Lazaridis (Jay Baruchel). After partnering with an assertive and shady businessman named Jim Balsillie (Glenn Howerton), the little-device-that-could skyrockets into mobile phone dominance, becoming one of the biggest names in the mobile phone industry until the announcement of the iPhone in 2007. 

    The film boasts a distinct style combining visual motifs from documentary to vintage late 90's cinema. Director Mike Johnson, who also plays Mike Lazaridis' best friend, Doug, glides through the highs and lows of the company's history while delivering a compelling drama. 

    The performances are all on point, with Jay Baruchel as the greatest stand-out, delivering a performance so far out of his previously received range; I almost didn't believe it was him. His performance is expertly executed even during scenes shared by Glenn Howerton, who spends most of his screen time chewing the scenery by shouting obscenities and insulting the other characters. If that is how Mr. Balsillie behaves in real life, I hope I never have to share a room with him...ever! 

    This leads to my one nitpick with the film; the lack of entirely likable characters. While it is possible to thoroughly enjoy a film with unlikable people in the leading roles (look at the filmography of director Milos Forman for proof of concept), and even with the notion of this story being based on actual events, I was personally disappointed that I was left with no one worth rooting for. At the very least, their story is one of the consequences of hubris, and in most cases, there are not too many people worthy of our cheering. 

    In many ways, BlackBerry reminded me of the David Fincher classic, The Social Network. Both are well-crafted stories about the early days of modern innovations created and built up by people I would rather not have a beer with. In that way, these are both excellent examples of modern cautionary tales, essential lessons about how not to succeed in your chosen fields. In both cases, they deserve to be seen and their lessons heard. 

    Okay, now let's move on to something more primitively satisfying. 

For Rent on Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, and YouTube

    Finish writer/director Jalmari Helander has built himself a fantastic reputation as a filmmaker I greatly admire, an artist who doesn't care about being realistic! His energy and disregard for the plausible are so courageous and heartfelt that you can't help but enjoy every moment. Even when the more graphic moments kick in, a sense of tastefulness reads less like an overgrown adolescent and more like an experienced craftsman with a maintained spark of madness. It's the kind of movie we desperately need more of these days, not because of the violence but because of the unrestrained creativity and entertainment value that can only come from a playful disregard for reality. 

    Set in Finland at the tail end of WW2, an old and mysterious man is out searching for Gold. Upon finding a motherload of the stuff, he packs it up and makes his way into town to cash in his find. Things take an unfortunate turn when he runs into a platoon of Nazis who try to steal his treasure, only to find themselves cut down by the old man's hand. It turns out that the old man is a legendary and deadly former Finish Commando with a haunting reputation and over 500 confirmed kills. Despite this knowledge, the arrogant Nazis press on, trying to part the old man with his Gold. Little do they know how much pain they're in for. 

    Much like my review for the underrated Overlord, a movie in which Nazis are brutally and justifiably getting the everlasting snot beaten out of them is automatically great. The film also continues to showcase Jalmari Helander's talents for visual storytelling and character focus. Not to mention a penchant for finely crafted action scenes. 

    I will provide a fair warning for the movie's graphic violence. While it is in service to the story and hardly overstays its welcome, it can be a deal breaker for some viewers, at least potentially. While I still recommend this movie, if you're squeamish about graphic violence, your hesitation to check this one out is entirely understandable. 

    Also, a minor spoiler, the Dog lives! 

    Thank you, my beautiful readers, for joining me in this latest Double Feature Review. I hope you enjoyed it. Be on the lookout for an upcoming Retro Review of an action classic. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.