Let’s start this review with a proclamation stating, “This is not your typical Kevin Hart film” and audiences will view the actor/comedian in a more dramatic realm for a story developed from the heart.
Based off of a true experience and inspired by the 2011 French film Les Intouchables, THE UPSIDE provides a redemption path for two men whom at one point in their lives felt like damaged goods. All they needed was someone to believe in them to spark a fire in their hopeless soul.
Dell, portrayed by Kevin Hart, is a recently paroled ex-convict that made some poor choices and hadn’t quite found his purpose or meaning of existence in life. Until one destined day Phillip Lacasse, a quadriplegic billionaire played by Academy Award nominee Bryan Cranston, meets Dell to create an undeniable bond and history that is still relevant today.
After watching this film I walked away with a few laughs and more intuitive thinking of how valuable opportunities are when they arise. As a business man, Phillip Lacasse shared great wisdom and advice with Dell to awaken his entrepreneurial spirit. The relationship between these two characters really sheds light on the importance of looking beyond our past and believing in our future.
(Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston work their natural magic in the breakfast scene above.)
Of course Kevin Hart brings insightful comedy to different scenes in the film, and one of my favorite moments involves an oxygen tank that had me bursting with laughter. The “Kevin Hart Funny” shines through in several pockets to keep you entertained.
The film also stars Golshifteh Farahana, Aja Naomi King, Julianna Margulies, and Nicole Kidman who add a womanly touch to a dynamic duo team, as their spectacular bond unfolds.
STXfilms will showcase this comedy in theaters Friday, January 11, 2019.
youtu.be/EWw7rCHcduQ
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Bryan Cranston, Kevin Hart, Julianna Margulies
Writers: Jon Hartmere, Eric Toledano, Olivier Nakache
Director: Neil Burger
Producers: Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch
