What to watch when bored: how about …something Uplifting…. something Updated…. something Unlikely…Something on the UPSIDE!
Wanted to see the UPSIDE in the theater, but missed it! Dang It. I was Delighted to see it had made it to REDBOX, and I plugged in my dollar and got Uplifted!
The UPSIDE is a heartwarming, true story of a paraplegic and a parolee: An Unlikely duo, to be sure.
The smart-alecky Kevin Hart is a somewhat smarmy, down on his luck parolee looking for signatures stating he was “looking” for a job, not that he was actually “applying” for one.
The reticent recluse in Brian Cranston is an unhappy and disinterested participant in seeking a caregiver, which his demure Executive Assistant, Nicole Kidman is the driver of this project.
The result is an unusual pairing of two unlikely souls who absolutely compliment and UPLIFT each other, and by doing so, Uplift You!
Kevin Hart’s character Dell, a thief by trade, is not cut out to be a caregiver, but at $3000 a week, he finds he can live with it. Phil, Brian Cranston’s character, is a wealthy entrepreneur who was in a hang-gliding accident and therefore immobile and antisocial, and in need of some humor and return to adventure.
Dell has to learn certain aspects of care-giving and protocols, like hosting parties and being silent at operas, which at first glance, is not his forte. Phil on the other hand, needs to learn to loosen up a bit, and Dell is just what the Doctor ordered, taking Phil on joy rides in his Ferrari and introducing him to the pain-killing joys of smoking pot and eating hot dogs.
There are several amusing and entertaining scenes throughout the movie: Dell takes up painting and Phil engages in smoking a little weed when the moment moves him, not to mention Dell orchestrating Mozart’s Magic Flute opera in the living room. There are warm moments, funny moments and sad moments, however, the film is entertaining and leaves your heart in a warm and fuzzy place.
Ok, so the story line is a little cliché, it’s a little lighthearted, it’s a little predictable, however, for a light night on the UPSIDE, this little, light-hearted, true story will UPLIFT you.
