The Upside: Film Review

The Upside: Film Review

Directed by Neil Burger

Written by Jon Hartmere 

Starring Kevin Hart, Bryan Cranston, Nicole Kidman

Synopsis

The Upside focuses on the relationship between Dell Scott (Kevin Hart), an ex-convict trying to get his life together post-prison, and Phillip Lacasse (Bryan Cranston), a wealthy quadriplegic who is in need of a caretaker. Not knowing what he signed up for, Dell is chosen to be Phillip's caretaker, much to the chagrin of his business aid, Yvonne (Nicole Kidman). The Upside tells a story of love, loss, and the unlikely friendship that would change both of their lives forever.

Review

To start, The Upside is a comedic drama that works better as a comedy. It is a film that wants to be more serious than it is, mainly due to Kevin Hart's performance. It is corny, a little preachy, and contrived, meaning that it feels like a scripted movie more than an examination of real life. The film is unsuccessful in trying to change perspectives and stereotypes related to ex-convicts and the wealthy. If it weren't for the fantastic lead performances from Kevin Hart (Ride Along, Night School, The Secret Life of Pets) and Bryan Cranston (Isle of Dogs, Malcolm in the Middle, Breaking Bad), this film would be another dud that tries and fails to examine the meaning of life. The Upside shows a fantastic improvement in performance quality for Hart, who provides the comic relief. There are portions, one scene involving the insertion of a catheter in particular, where it seems that Hart is playing himself as a character. However, even through all of the problems with a preachy script and a message that doesn't really get fully across, the film somehow works.