The 2023 release BlackBerry is a fresh attempt to bring the winning formula of a 'how things are made' narrative combined with real-life human drama on-screen.

Based on Jacquie McNish and Sean Silcoff's book, "Losing The Signal," the film chronicles the journey of Mike Lazaridis (played by Jay Baruchel) and Doug Fregin (played by Johnson), the scruffy co-founders of Research In Motion. 

Their innovative tech designs are hindered by their lack of public-speaking skills. Along comes Jim Balsillie (portrayed by Glenn Howerton), a ruthless and domineering businessman who can turn their dreams into gold. 

Together, they transform their smartphone prototype into the iconic BlackBerry, which once held a staggering 45 percent of the cellphone market.

Jay Baruchel, known for his portrayal of nervous underdogs, fits seamlessly into Mike's ill-fitting suit. Johnson, on the other hand, bounces around him like an enthusiastic Labrador sporting a headband – loyal but devoid of business acumen. Yet, it's Howerton who steals the show as the film's terrifying and magnetic wildcard. 

Rather than merely chewing the scenery, he tears it apart like a rabid wolf, a stark departure from his typically steely-eyed malice in sitcom "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia." 

His performance is nothing short of a revelation – a tightly wound bundle of rage that occasionally and deliciously erupts on screen, delivering expletive-laden outbursts so intense they would make Joe Pesci blush. Johnson captures the trio's disastrous dynamic in a mockumentary style, which imparts a somewhat dated aesthetic that, at times, works against a narrative centered on technological progress and occasionally distracts from the film's fleeting yet impactful emotional moments. 

Nevertheless, this Spinal Tap-esque approach serves as a constant reminder that "BlackBerry" is fundamentally a comedy, not a polished drama.

Of course, BlackBerry's dominance is short-lived. In the final act, set in 2007, Mike confidently dismisses the televised presentation in which Steve Jobs announces the iPhone – an act of denial that signals his detachment from reality. Baruchel's performance evolves, as he shifts from anxiety to impatience and desperation, showcasing his versatility.

While BlackBerry may not reach the heights of The Social Network, it excels in portraying human downfall through the lens of brilliant comedic actors, infusing the story with heart, humor, and occasional theatrical flair. It emerges as a corporate comedy of errors, but it's Howerton's towering and shark-like performance that truly elevates him to the ranks of unforgettable movie villains.