The protracted and complicated contractual wrangling over the rights to license an early video game in various territories might not seem like an obvious subject for a political thriller, but in this tall tale about the knotty negotiations to secure Tetris for Nintendo's Game Boy, the path is obstructed by treacherous KGB operatives, Machiavellian billionaires, blackmail and bribery. Director Jon S Baird (Stan & Ollie) harnesses the graphic style and plinky plonk music of 80s computer games to amusing effect, but ultimately, the film is as much to do with the reliably engaging Taron Egerton in the central role of Henk Rogers as it is with the wiretaps, honey traps and sneering Soviet security forces. Apple TV+'s Tetris is not a video game movie. Instead, it tells the story of the international battle to distribute and license the popular video game at the end of the Cold War. The opening sequence establishes the setting and sets the tone with 8-bit animation and music. These thematic elements create a sense of cohesion and tie the entire film together visually and musically. Henk Rogers is an everyday working man who discovers Tetris and begins a journey to secure the rights to the game for Japan. His actions demonstrate commitment, ambition, charm, and risk, such as using his house as collateral at the bank, sneaking into Nintendo headquarters, and illegally going to Moscow on a tourist visa. The movie is a stark contrast to the man who brought the game to life. The saddest thing about "Tetris" is that it is so repetitive that it will make you want to pick up your phone while it's playing on Apple TV. It is easy to see why someone wanted to tell this story, as American business is built on narratives of Davids beating Goliaths. Merging the two for a story in which an ambitious American had to use the tools of Capitalism to topple Communism sounds like an easy sell, but breaking it out into a drama or thriller requires a different set of rules. Despite Egerton's best efforts, the team never figured out how to tell the story. Tetris inventor Alexey Pajitnov is mostly reserved and cautious, wary of taking risks in Soviet Russia. Stereotypical wealthy father-son duo Robert and Kevin Maxwell see themselves at the top of the world, relentless in their pursuit for Tetris. Middleman and original licenser Robert Stein can be a doormat, but ultimately isn't afraid to do what he must to get what he wants. Egerton's Rogers is the protagonist we're meant to root for, but he isn't without fault. The conflict has layers but can feel repetitive, as the characters are literally fighting and racing to get the rights to a game. Stein says to Rogers after they meet for the first time in London, "It's complicated." The story of the fight for rights to Tetris is a unique look at the end of the Soviet Union and the Cold War. It is about taking chances, keeping promises, and giving credit where credit is due. The runtime of one hour and 57 minutes is long enough to feel like a game of Tetris, leaving us wondering how it all turns out.
Review of Tetris
