Tag: True Life

BLACKBERRY (2023)

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Directed By: Matt Johnson 

Written By: Matt Johnson And Matthew Miller 

Based on the Book: LOSING THE SIGNAL By: Jacquie McNish & Sean Silcoff

Cinematography: Jared Raab

Editor: Curt Lobb

Cast: Jay Baruchel, Glenn Hoverton, Matt Johnson, Martin Donovan, Saul Rubenik, Cary Elwes, Rich Sommer, Michael Ironside, SungWon Cho 

A company that toppled global giants before succumbing to the ruthlessly competitive forces of Silicon Valley. This is not a conventional tale of modern business failure by fraud and greed. The rise and fall of BlackBerry reveal the dangerous speed at which innovators race along the information superhighway.

This film isn’t as experimental as writer, Director costar Matt Johnson’s previous films. Though this one is more established it is still brimming with creative energy. 

Maybe, as this is based more on a true story rather than him making it up, so this demands to have a stronger narrative. Though he still finds a way to make it a little unconventional, more personal, and smaller scale taking place mostly in Canada.

No, he does get to keep a certain experimental style and more handheld camera work that gives Scenes More Intimacy and feels like a fly on the wall. It is an amazing true story. That goes into the whole corruption of the souls and values. To make the best product around. 

Though what most will be talking about when it comes to this film is actor Glenn Howerton’s performance mainly known for his performance in the Shell. It’s always Sunny in Philadelphia. Where he plays more of a narcissistic buffoon. Here he is a cold-blooded executive, who eventually becomes co-CEO of Blackberry and constantly seems angry and ruthless.

No, it is understandable, as he seems to be building this company as revenge for his recent termination, and believes in it so much that he is willing to risk his own future his mortgage to keep building this company so that even as Co-CEO he feels he is old, which is why he’s willing to even have to go through a legal means to keep this company growing.

What works is that he and Jay Baruchel’s characters are the Yin and Yang of each other who work side-by-side and off of each other, which helps the company work, but he has more influence over Baruchel character. 

As Baruchel’s character seems to slowly lose his morals and sense of character. Luckily, Baruchel holds his own in a more quiet, subdued way.

Matt Johnson plays more of a supporting character in the background that represents his past and moral center, which is why, when his character kind of accents the film, everything takes it down.

Grade: B+ 

REALITY (2023)

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Directed & Based On The Play By: Tina Satter
Written By: Tina Satter & James Paul Dallas 
Cinematography: Paul Yee 
Editor: Ron Dulin And Jennifer Vecchiarello 

Cast: Sydney Sweeney, Josh Hamilton, Merchant Davis, Benny Elledge

Profiles the arrest of 25-year-old Air Force linguist and NSA contractor Reality Winner for leaking classified information pertaining to Russian interference in the 2016 US Presidential election to the press. Adapted from the 2019 stage play, with dialogue pulled directly from Reality Winner’s FBI interview.

This film is expertly executed, but that is the strength of the film. End of itself is the execution of replaying and sticking to the transcripts of what actually happened, and then in their own way, the performers breathe life into the characters in the situation. 

Which from a technical standpoint is amazing but from the audience’s point of view is intriguing, but not necessarily entertaining. Your interest in the film will be in either. How much you already know about the story or how little you know about the story.

As if you don’t know, it does build a cell that you keep wondering where this is leading to and why the FBI agent’s attitude and demeanor are play for one second and then Serious in the next, and every time she tries to make light of the situation or joke around they become severe, but every time she becomes timid then all of a sudden they’re so conversational and willing to joke around.

This started as more of a theatrical piece before being adapted into a feature-length film. It seems that it might be more interesting as a theatrical piece as in the film it cuts in and out of the actual transcript of the movie to pictures of the real-life reality winner in the character. That will take place in essentially one location found and does excel at opening it up so that it doesn’t feel claustrophobic even as they close in on her and see the trap of her and More and More Corners.

It’s more intimate than a documentary could be as it presents the facts and leaves you to come up with your own conclusions. The actors are all excellent and the performances are strong. 

It comes across as simple and quick. Those serious in fact base it feels light. 

Grade: C+

QUEENPINS (2021)

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Written & Directed By: Aron Gaudet & Gita Pullapilly
Cinematography: Andrew Wehde
Editor: Kayla Emter 

Cast: Kristen Bell, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Bebe Rexha, Paul Walter Hauser, Vince Vaughn, Joel McHale, Eduardo Franco, Dayo Okeniyi, Annie Mumolo, Stephen Root, Paul Rust, Timm Sharp, Nick Cassavettes, Jack Mcbrayer, Greta Oglesby

Loosely Based on a true story. A pair of housewives create a $40 million coupon scam.

The two female leads are quite enjoyable and if they had more to play with, the film might be a little stronger and more memorable. Though it works with what it has and manages to always stay somewhat safe and clean. 

This is a quite enjoyable mid-budget comedy that studios seem to barely or rarely make anymore. It ends up being more entertaining than expected. Thanks to the familiar yet likable cast of characters. 

It comes across more as a place keeper movie the type that had an interesting premise and would get some notable cast members. That a studio would out to have a product out there and hopefully win the box office that weekend. Though it offers nothing too rock-solid to remember.

It’s a cute movie that could have easily been a television movie or made for cable comedy. As it is so innocent and inoffensive. That has a wide appeal, particularly to housewives. As it is a film that shows how resourceful and smart they can be and still be badass. 

It also showcases more blue-collar types not necessarily violent gun-toting FBI agents, but postal inspectors who investigate fraud and do mroe detective work than busting heads. 

The film is based on a true story and has its quirks, but doesn’t offer anything too memorable but is pleasant while you watch it.

It certainly is smooth and moves at a quick pace with likable characters and actors. Even pop star Bebe Rexha in a supporting role is vivacious and fun. 

Paul Walter Hauser and Vince Vaughn stand out as characters who are dramatic and have an edge but come off as sweet authoritative types. And pop star Bebe Rexha in her screen debut in a supporting role as their fence/hacker. Who also helps bring some youth to the movie. Which might appeal more to younger viewers.

Grade: C+