In a dramatic and comedy atmosphere, this movie follows a man named Dell who has just released from the jail. Dell struggles to find a job because of his criminal record. Meanwhile Phillip is an old paralyzed wealthy man who searches for someone to looks after him. When the fate gathers them together, they make such a great friendship.
In other words, Kevin Hart's Dell is a stereotype; even worse, a stereotype with no other purpose than to illuminate the humanity of his white counterpart.
[Bryan] Cranston and [Kevin] Hart fight tooth and nail to keep the film as charming as possible, though, with Hart going to particularly impressive lengths. It almost works, until you remember it shouldn't.
As we launch into a new year, filled with hopes and a short-lived determination to make our lives better, a film like this can serve as an extra level of inspiration.
No matter how heartening the performances are, how hard Hart and Cranston work to make us forget about the transparent blueprint design of the narrative, ultimately, the film makes one feel queasy.
The Upside is a shamelessly calculated affair meant to wring laughter and tears in equal order. For a film about the power of the human spirit, it's awfully robotic.
Jon Hartmere's script has genuinely funny moments and is blessedly short on crassness: even a scene involving catheters and colon hygiene is less cringey than you might expect.