Tetris

Inspired by true events, Tetris follows a struggling entrepreneur (Taron Egerton’s Henk Rogers) as he jumps through a series of hoops to secure the rights to the title video game. It’s compelling subject matter that’s increasingly employed to underwhelming and tedious effect by filmmaker Jon S. Baird, which is a shame, ultimately, given that the picture does kick off with a blisteringly-paced opening stretch filled to the brim with promising attributes – including Egerton’s personable, appealing performance and intriguing behind-the-scenes elements. (There is, in terms of the latter, a terrific scene wherein Henk is allowed to see and play an early version of Nintendo’s Game Boy.) There’s little doubt, then, that Tetris‘ downfall stems from a stagnant midsection consisting almost entirely of tiresome business dealings and meetings, as the emphasis is placed on the central character’s far-from-enthralling efforts at cutting through the extensive red tape surrounding the Russian-created game – which, when coupled with an ineffective and incongruously action-packed climax, ultimately does cement the movie’s place as a hopelessly misguided endeavor that squanders its seemingly foolproof setup.

** out of ****