'The Upside' Review - Thoroughly Heart-warming if a Bit Predictable

Whilst you could accuse this film of having a predictable plot or even a familiar tone, the chemistry between the characters of Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston in 'The Upside' is frankly unmissable, and upon closer inspection it is fair to say that this film explores disability with respect and compassion whilst maintaining the funny lines and touching moments typical of this genre.

The story revolves around the life of Philip Lacasse, a billionaire businessman turned writer who is left paralyzed from from the neck down following a paragliding accident. The film pairs Cranston's Lacasse with an the most unlikely of Life Auxiliary in Hart's Del Scott, a down-on-his-luck ex-convict with a talent for speaking his mind. Kevin Hart in this film honestly caught me by surprise as I fully expected him to lower the tone, however his performance was dignified and his character relatable.

The chemistry between the two actors is instant, and it is the relationship between them that makes this film so enjoyable. Hart, who is not particularly well known for his emotionally inspired performances, excels in the more serious exchanges whilst still managing to slip in his signature style of comedy with hilarious one liners and outspoken comments. Cranston captures the struggles of Lacasse, who is dealing with the recent death of his wife on top of his quadriplegia, to near perfection.

The supporting cast do a decent job here and perhaps do not deserve a mere mention, but they are in this case completely overshadowed by the lead duo. It is very difficult however not to notice Nicole Kidman's occasional slip between American and Australian accents, especially in the quieter more emotional scenes.

As I mentioned at the start of this review, the plot wasn't particularly inspiring. It is not all that challenging at any point to predict what is going to happen next, with probably only one moment in the whole picture that I found genuinely unexpected. I think on reflection this feels like it could almost be intentional however, so as not to detract from the messages behind the story. The lack of a stimulating plot puts emphasis on the performances of Hart and Cranston as well as the wider issues around physical disability and the impact it has on a person's mental health.

In summary 'The Upside' is well worth a watch, and to think that this is (I expect loosely) based on a true story is actually quite moving. The film takes its time to tell the story, every scene whilst predictable feels deliberate and the lead actors' performances are nothing short of fantastic. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon's entertainment.