For people going in expecting a film based off the game, that's not what this is. For this I am very grateful for, as that version would be similar to the pretty unremarkable Emoji Movie.
However, what we get is more of a biographical drama that happens to have the iconic video game in the middle of it.
I knew a bit about the origins of Tetris going global and how influential it was in effecting major changes to parts of the world in the late 20th century. But I didn't know how tense and crazy it was going to be until I saw the film.
It starts at quite a pace that certainly caught me off guard and it took me a while to catch up to it. But once that set-up is done, we get a new environment to deal it. Eventually, a number of other genres are introduced. It becomes a business drama and even a spy thriller whilst still being a biopic at its heart.
The tone is surprisingly light despite the colour palette being dreary. The clever uses of Tetris itself within its visuals gave it those finer touches to what was a surprisingly pleasant and enjoyable watch.
By the end, they managed to create some genuinely tense and exhilarating moments that makes you have to remind yourself that this is a film about the breakthrough of a video game involving building blocks.
Taron Edgerton is the lead and he continues to showcase his talent and gives a great amount of energy in his role and he quickly makes you want his character to succeed.
Toby Jones is as solid and reliable as ever, Anthony Boyle was wonderfully annoying and Roger Allam continues to chew the scenery with every role that is given to him and just like what he did in V For Vendetta and Speed Racer, it is so entertaining in the most pantomime way.
I loved the style choices involved. With the game of Tetris being involved in the story, there are some cool cuts between scenes and other moments that have an 8-bit look about them which pleased me a great deal. I'm sure I won't be the only one feeling that. The score by Lorne Balfe is techno-influenced with riffs of the memorable Tetris theme being sewn in, which was also pleasing to hear.
I don't really have any drawbacks to mention as the surprise factor this has currently have been feeling quite strong about. But it is possible on future viewings some negatives might come out now that I know what to expect.
On paper, this does not sound it work well as a film. But this was a lot more fun then it had any right to be. When it focuses on the actual story, it works very well. But it does amp it up to help with the drama to make it more cinematic. Sometimes it works, the other occasions it has some unnecessary action sequences that felt out of place. Nevertheless, they were still fun to watch.
But when it tell us what really happened, that's when it becomes its most engrossing and engaging and it balances the light and the serious parts of the story perfectly.
If you feel you won't enjoy it because you never played or cared for Tetris, that won't matter. The fascinating story surrounding the game is what is being sold and it's a shame it never was released on the big screen.
Rating: 7/10
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