The Upside

PG-13

Released Jan 11, 2019

2 hr. 6 min.

Comedy

Drama

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List

43%

190 Reviews

Tomatometer

81%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

Phillip is a wealthy quadriplegic who needs a caretaker to help him with his day-to-day routine in his New York penthouse. He decides to hire Dell, a struggling parolee who's trying to reconnect with his ex and his young son. Despite coming from two different worlds, an unlikely friendship starts to blossom as Dell and Phillip rediscover the joy of living life to the fullest.

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Premiered Apr 25

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Critics Consensus

Preachy, manipulative, and frustratingly clichéd, The Upside showcases Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart's chemistry without ever taking full advantage of it.

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Katie D

definitely funny and heartwarming! I have to say that although it was supposed to be set in New York, I could tell that it was not actually filmed there. I did not realize that this was a remake and now I'd like to watch the French version to compare. It did make me wonder what parts really happened, what was based on the autobiography, what was based on the other film and what was made up.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/15/21

Full Review

John B

For the premise of this film's concept to work, the actor playing Kevin Hart's role should needs tp have some latent charm, and have a character which includes at least a suggestion of empathy, understanding and interest in someone other than themselves. Unfortunately, not only is Kevin Hart completely charmless, his one note performance mistakes being a smug, mean spirited, smart ass ignoramus for the rough diamond, principled and basic but caring person the role requires. Sadly, this film was a great opportunity missed.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

03/31/24

Full Review

Kathy V

I loved this movie. Very heartwarming. Left me with a feel good feeling inside and a smile.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/12/24

Full Review

alaaden s

The bad version of the original movie The acting is very bad

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/08/24

Full Review

Sparky K

OK this is another one where you ignore the critics score and go with the audience score. Trust me, you won't regret it, just see this film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/06/24

Full Review

D F

nice light funny heartwarming

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/04/24

Full Review

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Neil Burger

Director

Kevin Hart

Dell Scott

Bryan Cranston

Phillip Lacasse

Nicole Kidman

Yvonne Pendleton

Aja Naomi King

Latrice

Jahi Di'Allo Winston

Anthony

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The Upside: Name the Review

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The Upside: Exclusive Interview

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The Upside: Trailer 1

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Ben Sachs

Chicago Reader

Director Neil Burger, for his part, moves the story along fairly briskly, refusing to let the film's schmaltziness weigh it down. This is nothing remarkable, but it could have been a lot worse.

Apr 13, 2020

Full Review

Tim Cogshell

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

Does it work? No, not really... But Kevin Hart is good.

Sep 13, 2019

Full Review

Brad Newsome

Sydney Morning Herald

As the paint-by-numbers plot progresses -- over two very long hours -- the treacle thickens and it becomes clear that each of them is slowly going to learn from and be redeemed by the others.

May 3, 2019

Full Review

Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

The film’s investment is in telling us about this crazy and unique friendship. In doing so it may not hit every note it should, but it still manages to be a worthwhile watch.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 21, 2022

Full Review

M.N. Miller

Ready Steady Cut

The Upside appeals to mass audience erogenous zones (bankable star, humor, candy-coating issues) that’s unapologetically feel-good while offering award season relief.

Rated: 3.5/5

Aug 17, 2022

Full Review

Lonita Cook

KCTV5 News at 9

It's a little long. The real anchor for the movie is their relationship, but it's super funny.

Oct 1, 2021

Full Review

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Synopsis

Phillip is a wealthy quadriplegic who needs a caretaker to help him with his day-to-day routine in his New York penthouse. He decides to hire Dell, a struggling parolee who's trying to reconnect with his ex and his young son. Despite coming from two different worlds, an unlikely friendship starts to blossom as Dell and Phillip rediscover the joy of living life to the fullest.

Director: Neil Burger
Executive Producer: Robert Simonds, Adam Fogelson, Andy Mitchell, Milos Brajovic, Chris Papavasiliou, G. Mac Brown, David J. Bloomfield
Screenwriter: Jon Hartmere
Distributor: STX Films
Production Co: Escape Artists
Rating: PG-13 (Suggestive Content|Drug Use)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 11, 2019, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 14, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA): $108.2M
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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