We’ll get this out of the way very quickly for those that don’t already know. The Upside, starring Bryan Cranston, Kevin Hart and Nicole Kidman, is a remake of the 2011 worldwide French hit, The Intouchables. Lots of movies over the decades have seen similar treatment, going from French to an American version. Three Men and a Baby (1987), True Lies (1994), I Think I Love My Wife (2007) and Dinner for Schmucks (2010) are four examples that many had no idea were remakes. The Upside premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival under the now-defunct flag of The Weinstein Company, and has since been purchased by STX Entertainment while finally having a release date of January 11, 2019. Let’s find out if the wait has been worth it.
Dell (Kevin Hart) has been an absentee father and could be faced with heading back to prison if he can’t find work soon, like TODAY. Through desperation and also being in the wrong place at the right time, Dell lands a job opportunity as a 24/7 personal care assistant for a quadriplegic multi-millionaire. For reasons of his own, Phillip Lacasse (Bryan Cranston) chooses the least qualified individual for the job. The bizarre pairing may just be what the two of them need to put everything in perspective while learning from the unlikeliest teachers, each other. Together, they will stoop to the lowest of lows only to rebound to touch the highest of highs. What is life if it cannot be enjoyed in the company of others? Dell and Phillip will experience all that life has to offer in this true story of friendship and mutual respect.
Director Neil Burger was given an opportunity to work with some great talent in Hart, Cranston, Nicole Kidman, Julianna Margulies and others while also not losing the essence of what The Upside is attempting to convey, a heart-touching story of friendship. Hart scales back his “silly factor” substantially and because of it, he will take some theatergoers by surprise. What his performance showcases is that Hart is more than just a loud-mouthed silly jester. Yes, there are quite a few moments of laughter throughout. That said, where this feature gets its traction is from the more subdued and sensitive side of the actors. That starts first with Hart.
Not to be outdone, Bryan Cranston gives an equally measurable effort while remaining mostly stationary. You’d assume that “just sitting there” would probably be a breeze, but it’s uncanny when you witness just how convincing Cranston is in his debilitative state. I can only imagine the mental fortitude and discipline that it takes for one to resist a literal lifetime of reactionary urges. And not to be left out of the comedic category, Cranston is quite funny and entertaining when it counts. Long gone are the days of Hal Wilkerson and Walter White as he looks to become a larger force on the big screen.
Supporting actors such as Tate Donovan, Julianna Margulies and Nicole Kidman provide The Upside with some additional firepower. Each character helps paint a more complete picture that all can enjoy. Nicole Kidman has been on a nice little run lately. Aside from her reoccurring role on HBO’s Big Little Lies, Kidman has turned quite a few heads in the last couple of months with her performances in Boy Erased (2018) and the gritty The Destroyer (2018), playing in select cities now. She gives a great supporting performance and fits in nicely with both Hart and Cranston.
The story of The Upside is more interesting and probably more entertaining than some would assume. Even though it lags a bit a times, and it comes less than eight years after the French version debuted, this should be a nice little treat for those heading out to theaters NOT wanting to be overwhelmed with special effects and superheroes. This is a grounded story that can be seen and enjoyed by various types of individuals with a little something in it for everyone. You can check out the comedy drama in theaters now.
