The Upside Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A rich dude hires a criminal as his caregiver, they become besties, and suddenly opera is cool, because disability and crime can be solved with classical music and fast cars, because poverty is a choice.

🍿 The Upside: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Dell’s Job Search and Initial Interview

Recently paroled Dell Scott is mandated to show proof of active job hunting. Desperate, he seeks signatures from various workplaces. This leads him to Philip Lacasse, a wealthy quadriplegic needing a new caregiver. During the interview at Philip’s opulent penthouse, Dell’s bluntness and lack of conventional caregiving experience unexpectedly intrigue Philip.

Dell Becomes Philip’s Caregiver

Despite his initial reservations, Dell accepts the caregiver position. Yvonne, Philip’s assistant, sets strict rules for Dell. He faces challenges adapting to his new responsibilities, including managing Philip’s medical needs and navigating the complexities of Philip’s lifestyle. Dell’s unconventional approach gradually brings a fresh perspective to Philip’s life.

Building an Unlikely Friendship

As Dell becomes more comfortable in his role, he and Philip develop a strong bond. Dell reintroduces Philip to the joys of life, including driving fast cars and experiencing new art forms. They challenge each other and help each other grow. Philip, in turn, helps Dell reconnect with his family and pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions.

Philip’s Online Relationship and Disappointment

Dell encourages Philip to connect with Lily, a woman with whom he’s been corresponding. Their first meeting proves awkward. Lily admits that the situation isn’t quite what she anticipated. Disappointed and hurt, Philip spirals into a depressive episode and fires Dell.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dell Scott (Kevin Hart): A recently paroled, unemployed man who becomes the caregiver for a wealthy quadriplegic and learns to take responsibility for his life.
• Philip Lacasse (Bryan Cranston): A wealthy quadriplegic who hires Dell as his caregiver, forming an unlikely friendship that revitalizes his outlook on life.
• Yvonne Pendleton (Nicole Kidman): Philip’s efficient assistant who is initially skeptical of Dell but grows to appreciate his positive influence on Philip.
• Latrice (Aja Naomi King): Dell’s ex-wife and mother of his son, who is hesitant to trust him due to his past failures.
• Anthony (Jahi Di’Allo Winston): Dell’s son who is initially disappointed in his father but slowly starts to reconnect with him as Dell improves his life.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dell: “I’m not qualified to do anything.” – Dell says this when Philip offers him the job, highlighting his initial lack of confidence.
• Philip: “Sometimes you just need to do what makes you happy.” – Philip says this when encouraging Dell to pursue his passion for art and business.
• Dell: “You can have any girl you want, man. You rich and you available. What about this lady right here with all the Botox? Y’all be perfect for each other. You can’t move your body, she can’t move her face.” – Dell says this to Philip, highlighting his humorous and unfiltered approach to Philip’s situation.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $37,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $108,252,517
• Worldwide Gross: $125,856,180

💥 The Upside Reviews

Personal Review

Honestly, I went in expecting a typical buddy comedy, but ‘The Upside’ surprised me. The dynamic between Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston felt genuine, and there were moments that were both hilarious and surprisingly moving. I especially loved the scene where Dell introduces Philip to Aretha Franklin. The story is heartwarming and, despite some familiar tropes, it left me feeling good. Definitely a feel-good movie worth checking out, especially if you need a little boost.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of buddy comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in feel-good stories”
  • “Those who enjoy movies about overcoming adversity”
  • “Fans of Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Language”
  • “Suggestive humor”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Mature themes related to disability”

Professional Reviews

• ScreenRant: “While ‘The Upside’ offers moments of genuine humor and heart, it ultimately falls short of its source material, ‘The Intouchables,’ due to a lack of originality and depth. Cranston and Hart have chemistry, but the film doesn’t explore its themes with enough nuance.
• IMDB: “Kevin Hart really held his own in this movie. The match-up with Bryan Cranston and Nicole Kidman was brilliant. I would definitely recommend this for a chill movie night to enjoy with your family.
• Wall Street Journal: “A good movie. Simple. It’s not the original French one so don’t rate it poorly because of that fact. This is well acted, heart warming, funny and left me feeling good after watching it. Kevin Heart and Brian Cranston have great chemistry and work well together. Ignore the stuck up Wall Street Journal reviewers and just go enjoy.

Audience Reactions

The chemistry between Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart made the movie enjoyable and heartwarming.: Viewers appreciated the blend of humor and drama, noting that it struck a good balance.

Many found the film uplifting and said it left them with a positive feeling.: Audiences admired Kevin Hart’s performance, praising his ability to deliver in a more serious role.

Overall Consensus: A feel-good movie with strong performances from Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston. While some critics found it lacking originality compared to the original, most viewers enjoyed the heartwarming story and the chemistry between the leads.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is a remake of the 2011 French film ‘The Intouchables,’ which was a massive international success.”
• “Bryan Cranston spent time with individuals with quadriplegia to prepare for his role, learning about their daily routines and challenges.”
• “During filming, Kevin Hart often improvised lines, adding to the comedic dynamic between his character and Cranston’s.”
• “The filmmakers aimed to strike a balance between humor and sensitivity when portraying Philip’s disability.”
• “Early reviews were very bad because the movie had some Weinstein Company association.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Upside?

The Upside is currently available for streaming on platforms such as Prime Video, and for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings. Digital and physical copies are also available for purchase from major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Upside, you might like these similar films:

• The Intouchables (2011): This is the original French film on which ‘The Upside’ is based, offering a different cultural perspective on the same story.
• Rain Man (1988): Features an unlikely friendship between two very different individuals who learn from each other.
• Scent of a Woman (1992): Explores the relationship between a young caretaker and a disabled, cantankerous man.
• Green Book (2018): A more recent film about an unlikely friendship that transcends racial and social barriers.

🛒 The Upside Related Products

• The Upside (Blu-ray): Own ‘The Upside’ on Blu-ray for a high-definition viewing experience, complete with bonus features and behind-the-scenes content. Great for collectors and fans of the movie.
• The Intouchables (Blu-ray): Own The Intouchables on Blu-ray, the original film starring François Cluzet and Omar Sy.
• Kevin Hart: Zero F**ks Given (Netflix Comedy Special): Watch Kevin Hart’s comedy special on Netflix and enjoy his unique brand of humor. See more of the comedic actor from the movie The Upside.
• Funko Pop! Bryan Cranston as Walter White: Walter White from Breaking Bad is now available as a Funko POP! Vinyl Figure! Figure stands 3 3/4 inches and comes in a window display box. Check out the other Breaking Bad figures from Funko! Collect them all!

🎧 Soundtrack

The Upside features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Don Giovanni K. 527 Scena Ultima: Qual Strepito è Questo… (Lanterna, Maturina, Donna Elvira, Donna Ximena, Duca Ottavio, Pasquariello)” – performed by Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra; Bruno Weil, conductor

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Upside | “Friendship” TV Commercial | Own It Now On Digital HD, Blu-Ray & DVD

Curious about the heart of ‘The Upside’? This official TV spot perfectly captures the unlikely friendship between Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston – it’s a feel-good moment you don’t want to miss!

✨ Rate