Genre: Comedy
Related Titles: Me Before You, Untouchables, Miami Love Affair
By Leanne Harragan
Phillip needs a someone to help with his day-to-day routine, he decides to take a chance on Dell, a parolee trying to reconnect with his ex and son. An unlikely friendship forms as they rediscover the joys of life.
Dell takes on the job of caring for quadriplegic Phillip with no real idea about what he's signing up for. This leads to some pretty disastrous mishaps but leads to a friendship forming along the way. When Dell turns up for the interview, by mistake he unwittingly asks Phillip to sign his sheet, this leads the dry humour of Phillip to take a liking to Dell and give him the job. It unfolds that this was done to piss off finance manager Yvonne.
The film based on the true-friendship formed between the two unlikely men and Kevin Hart (Dell) and Bryan Cranston (Phillip) bring that to life in this sickly-sweet bromance. While there has been some debate about Cranston's ability to play a disabled character, I think that he did a great job and this film will surely bring attention to the need for stories like this to be told and diverse representation to continue on the big screen. As for Kevin Hart, I hope that his recent scandal won't take away from the fact that his performance in this film was pretty good. Despite being dulled from his usual overly-comic self, Hart provided some light comic relief and gave a good performance as Dell.
It was all a tad predictable but I suppose that's not always a bad thing, I don't think many viewers will leave without feeling a buzz of happiness. The film is so overly-sweet that it's almost impossible not to. I enjoyed the art plot line surrounding the posh residents of Phillip's home and their expectations and opinions of Dell - breaking the stereotypes that surround those with a criminal background is important! I'm not so sure about the Hitler joke that was included, I can't help but feel that it took the film down and notch, it seemed to be such bad taste.
It's not perfect but it's another true-life story that is worth a watch. There's a few laughs along the way and a couple of not-as-deep as intended moments that will highlight the difficulties that disabled people face on a daily basis. If nothing else The Upside will make you much more aware of how to treat people with disabilities better!
Rating: 6/10
By Rebecca Mannick
Mega rich business man Phillip is looking for a new carer when Dell stumbles upon the job interview - the pair soon form a friendship that would last a lifetime. Funny that some movies take ages to explain the plot however this one is pretty simple. You can kind of tell whats going to happen - a new beginning, forming a relationship, the part where it goes wrong and then the reconnection. The Upside had all the potential to be a great film - but I really missed the target for me. The basis of the film could have been about compassion, differences and learning but I think it focuses more on the comedy aspect of it.
In terms of casting, Bryan Cranston did a great job considering he literally could only act through his voice and face as all other parts of his body was paralysed. However I am not a fan at all of Kevin Hart, his recent movies have been a complete flop and I can't help but think he brings down the credibility of this movie down a bit. I try to disassociate actors from their personal life to their characters but you always feel like theres a merge with him mainly through the comedic choices - which are getting so boring. But also personally I think we should cancel him. Moving on - Nicole Kidman also pops up again in this movie, she's been particularly busy recently however her character in this is is particularly plain.
The story itself is a heartwarming one - especially Dell's family situation which is one probably a lot of people find themselves in. In terms of Phillip and Dell's relationship - one they get to know each other they find similarities in each others life and past, its an eye opener to both of them because they instantly assume someones journey based on their background.
After researching I found out that this was originally a french film displaying the same true story - I would be interested in watching that one and seeing how it differentiates from this Hollywood version. I also didn't appreciate the running time - it took way too long to introduce the characters. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this one - maybe for a rainy day.
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