Get ready for a cinematic revelation that's bound to spark some heated debates – one of the finest films from recent years is hitting your TV screen tonight, and it's got critics raving with a stellar 97% Rotten Tomatoes score!
We're thrilled to spotlight our top pick for this evening's TV lineup (that's Sunday, January 4th): the standout 2023 biographical comedy-drama BlackBerry. Penned and helmed by Matt Johnson, the creative force behind the quirky series Nirvana the Band the Show, this Canadian gem offers a dramatized take on the meteoric rise and dramatic downfall of the iconic BlackBerry mobile phones.
But here's where it gets controversial: the narrative zeroes in on the 'unlikely alliance' between visionary inventor Mike Lazaridis, portrayed by the ever-charismatic Jay Baruchel (remember him in This Is the End?), and ambitious investor Jim Balsillie, brought to life by the brilliantly bald Glenn Howerton, known for his outrageous roles in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Lazaridis is painted as a genius who's a bit introverted and reserved, while Balsillie comes across as a fearless, outspoken dynamo. This dynamic duo's partnership is the beating heart of the story, showing how their contrasting personalities drove BlackBerry to dizzying heights before everything unraveled.
Now, you might think turning the saga of a tech company's boom and bust into a movie sounds like a snooze-fest, but trust us – this one's a riot! The hilarious interplay between Balsillie and Lazaridis is masterfully brought to life, with Howerton's performance stealing the show in the most laugh-out-loud ways. Plus, the film's attention to period details, from the fashion to the soundtrack, feels spot-on and immersive, making you feel like you're right there in the heart of the 2000s tech revolution.
And this is the part most people miss: there's a delicious irony in crafting a tale reminiscent of The Social Network or Steve Jobs, but centered on BlackBerry – a brand whose glory days were fleeting compared to the enduring empires of Apple and Facebook. It's both hilarious and poignant, a reminder of how quickly innovation can fade in the cutthroat world of technology. Not just our opinion here; the movie's massive 97% Rotten Tomatoes approval speaks volumes, proving it's not just us who are hooked on this comedy-drama.
Catch BlackBerry tonight on RTÉ 2 at 9:35 pm – you won't regret it!
While you're tuning in, here's a rundown of other enticing films gracing your screens this evening, perfect for rounding out your viewing night:
American Pie – Airing at 10:45 pm on TG4. This classic coming-of-age comedy follows a group of high school friends navigating the hilarious and awkward trials of teenage life, starring Jason Biggs, Shannon Elizabeth, Chris Klein, Alyson Hannigan, Mena Suvari, Seann William Scott, and the always-amusing Eugene Levy. It's a nostalgic trip back to those wild, formative years.
Back to Black – Starting at 10 pm on BBC Two. This 2024 biopic delves into the tumultuous life and soaring career of British singer Amy Winehouse, exploring her musical genius, personal struggles, and lasting impact on the music world – a raw and inspiring look at fame's double-edged sword.
Friends with Benefits – Kicking off at 12:05 am on Channel 4. In this rom-com, an art director takes a job at a magazine and quickly finds himself in a no-strings-attached fling with the recruiter who brought him on board. Both vow to keep things purely physical, but as we all know, emotions have a way of complicating the simplest plans. It's a fun exploration of modern relationships and the blurred lines between friendship and romance.
Pretty Woman – Airing at 10:15 pm on ITV1. This iconic romantic comedy stars Richard Gere as a wealthy businessman and Julia Roberts as a spirited escort who transforms his world (and wardrobe). With supporting roles from Ralph Bellamy and Laura San Giacomo, it's a timeless tale of love, class, and self-discovery that keeps viewers coming back for more.
How I Spent My Summer Vacation – On at 11:10 pm on Legend. In this gritty drama, a getaway driver crashes in Mexico, resulting in authorities confiscating his stolen loot and sentencing him to a brutal, gang-controlled prison. It's a tense thriller that highlights the dangers of crime and the harsh realities of lawlessness in foreign lands – think Escape from Alcatraz with a Mexican twist.
And don't miss out on the fun – tune into the You Must Be Jokin’ podcast for the latest episode right now! For those new to Rotten Tomatoes, it's a popular website where professional critics rate movies on a scale, helping viewers gauge quality before watching – think of it as a crowd-sourced thumbs up or down.
What do you think? Is BlackBerry the underdog story that deserves more spotlight, or does its satirical take on tech moguls hit too close to home? Does the film's humor overshadow the real-world tragedies of innovation's failures? Share your thoughts in the comments – do you agree that it's a must-watch, or is there a counterpoint we're missing? Let's discuss!
