Movie Review: The Upside

Michael's Movie Grade: B

Review: I have to swim against what the majority of critics are saying about this movie. I for one really enjoyed it. Is it as good The Intouchables (in case you didn't know this is a remake of that movie)? No. However this does not mean it is not a good movie on its own terms.

If I could only use one word to say what is good about this movie, I would use charming. It is true the story is predictable and often cliché. There is little here, even those who haven't seen The Intouchables haven't seen before and it is easy to know what will happen next. However this movie successeds very well, because it is so charming. The leads of this movie are perfect. Kevin Hart gets to play a less over the top role here, and he turns in one of the best performances of his career, so far. He not only hits the comedy notes perfectly, but also the dramatic notes. He can play a serious scene with a powerful and quiet subtlety that is really amazing. Hart proves here he is not only a comedian, but a darn good actor. After this I would actually watch him in a completely serious role, something I'd never thought I'd say. He still gets to show off his comedic skills and has some really funny moments here. Bryan Cranston is also perfect in his role. He as well gets to show off both his comedic and dramatic skills here. He brings such charm and charisma to this role, that one can't help but enjoy. His comic scenes involve him using droll sarcasm in the way only he can. His delivery of the comedic lines is simply fantastic. He also brings the pure emotion needed for the role. You can feel the inner pain he is going through just by looking at him. The two actors also have excellent chemistry together. While the story is cliché and nothing new, that doesn't mean it can't be effective. This movie tells its story pure and simply, creating a swiftly moving 123 minutes. Not a single scene ever drags. The emotional scenes work quite well and the humor can be laugh at loud funny. More than that this is a feel good movie that actually makes you feel good.


Again yes we have seen this before, but if we are going to see it again this movie does quite a good job.


-Michael J. Ruhland