This will be one of many reviews during this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. If you would like to keep up with our content, click here.
Synopsis: Based on a true story, THE UPSIDE chronicles the unexpected friendship between Phillip Lacasse, a Park Avenue billionaire left paralyzed after a hang-gliding accident, and ex-con Dell Scott, in need of a job and a fresh start. From worlds apart, Phillip and Dell form an unlikely bond, bridging their differences and gaining invaluable wisdom in the process, giving each man a renewed sense of passion for all of life’s possibilities. (eOne Films)
Starring: Bryan Cranston, Kevin Hart, and Nicole Kidman
Writers: Paul Feig and Jon Hartmere
Director: Neil Burger
Rating: n/a
Running Time: 118mins
Trailer: n/a
When you think of film pairings, Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart aren’t necessarily the first that come to mind so this was what made their pairing in this film work so well. Here they play a paraplegic billionaire named Philip Lacasse and an ex-convict named Dell Scott respectively. Since both characters obviously coming from different socioeconomic statuses, the film effectively played with these differences. Scott had never been a caretaker but he didn’t have a choice. After living a life of modest means, taking the job meant a massive culture shock for Scott. Watching him try to fit in what hilarious to watch as he always managed to stand out for the wrong reasons.
The film had plenty of hilarious moments but the root of the story was the relationship between these two men. Lacasse and Scott were very fun to watch together as they grew closer to one another over time. It was through this relationship that both men gained a newfound reason to live. This film would not have worked if not for the excellent chemistry between Cranston and Hart. Cranston was his reliable self, however, it will be Hart that will surprise many here. In his best role, he was compelling to watch and often stealing scenes.
Overall, this was a hilarious dramedy which was both compelling to watch and offering great performances from Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart.
Score: 9/10
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The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.
