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The Upside 2019

Runtime

126 min

A wealthy man, rendered quadriplegic, hires a charming ex-convict as his caretaker. Their contrasting backgrounds and personalities initially create friction, but they gradually develop a deep and unexpected friendship. Through their interactions, both men confront personal challenges and learn valuable lessons about life, acceptance, and the true meaning of connection.

A wealthy man, rendered quadriplegic, hires a charming ex-convict as his caretaker. Their contrasting backgrounds and personalities initially create friction, but they gradually develop a deep and unexpected friendship. Through their interactions, both men confront personal challenges and learn valuable lessons about life, acceptance, and the true meaning of connection.

Does The Upside have end credit scenes?

No!

The Upside does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of The Upside

Explore the complete cast of The Upside, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for The Upside

See how The Upside is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Upside stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

58

The Upside presents a moderately engaging remake anchored by charismatic lead performances but undermined by formulaic plotting and superficial execution. Reviewers note that Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart inject warmth and chemistry into familiar situational beats, yet the script’s predictability and uneven tone limit its overall impact. The supporting characters and thematic depth struggle to break free from clichés, and the film rarely ventures beyond well-worn narrative territory. While the movie offers moments of genuine connection, it ultimately leaves a mixed impression that oscillates between amiable and forgettable.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for The Upside

50
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, the film delivers competent but unremarkable production values. The direction maintains clear staging and editing, yet the visual style feels conventional and lacks distinctive flair. Cinematography and design support the narrative adequately but rarely elevate familiar settings. Overall, the art direction remains serviceable without offering any memorable visual innovation.

80
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character and emotion, the leads provide the film’s strongest appeal. Bryan Cranston’s restrained portrayal and Kevin Hart’s blend of humor and vulnerability generate genuine chemistry and empathy. Secondary roles occasionally lack depth, with Nicole Kidman’s character underutilized. Ultimately, the performances sustain audience engagement despite some inconsistencies in emotional development.

55
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of story and flow, the narrative remains faithful to its source but hinges on predictable developments. Pacing alternates between engaging friendship moments and formulaic clichés, resulting in uneven momentum. While the central theme of second chances resonates, the superficial handling of emotional beats and well-worn plot elements limit the film’s originality. Overall, engagement is modest.

45
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

When assessing the sensory experience, the film offers a straightforward soundscape and conventional musical cues that complement but never enrich the narrative. Sound design remains functional without creating immersive moments, and the score adheres to familiar tonal patterns. Visually, there is cohesion in color and framing, yet no standout stylistic choices. The sensory elements stay serviceable.

45
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

When it comes to rewatch factor, the film provides modest appeal for replay due to its amiable performances but predictable structure. While moments of humor and warmth hold some lasting resonance, repetitive narrative beats and lack of unexpected developments reduce subsequent engagement. The overall experience offers occasional enjoyment but does not strongly invite repeat viewings.

Metacritic

46

Metascore

6.0

User Score

IMDb

7.0 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

71

%

User Score

Movie Insider

4.22/5

From 60 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate The Upside Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of The Upside with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


The Upside Quiz: Test your knowledge about the heartwarming journey of Dell and Philip in 'The Upside'.

Who plays the character of Dell Scott?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The Upside

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Read the complete plot summary of The Upside, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


Speeding through the bustling streets of New York City in a flashy Ferrari, Dell Scott and Philip Lacasse find themselves pulled over by the police. In a moment of quick thinking, Dell persuades the officers that he’s rushing Philip to the emergency room, leading to a reluctant Philip playing along as they are escorted to the hospital.

Flashback six months earlier, we meet Dell, who has just been paroled and is required to gather signatures to show he’s actively seeking employment. His journey takes him to various workplaces, including the luxurious penthouse of Philip, a wealthy man living with quadriplegia. There, Dell, in an unexpected encounter with Yvonne Pendleton, Philip’s dedicated assistant, barges in demanding a signature for his parole officer. Intrigued by Dell’s audacity, Philip offers him a role as his “life auxiliary” caregiver, but Dell initially turns it down.

Attempting to reconnect with his estranged family, Dell visits his ex-wife Latrice and son Anthony, only to be met with rejection. In a desperate bid for redemption, he accepts the caregiver position with Philip, wherein Yvonne establishes a tricky “three strikes” rule. She implies that Philip chose Dell specifically because he was the least qualified candidate, believing that his presence would hasten Philip’s own demise due to his medical complexities. Taking on the challenging responsibilities proves daunting for Dell, even with the support of Philip’s physical therapist Maggie. When he struggles with routine tasks, he receives a “strike,” highlighting his initial lack of confidence.

As Dell learns more about Philip’s life and finds out that the book he took from Philip’s library was a treasured gift from Philip’s late wife, he feels compelled to inform Latrice about his new job. Dell’s determination to prove himself leads him to take Philip out in a more stylish manner, abandoning the unremarkable work van in favor of eye-catching supercars, reinvigorating both their lives.

“You’re living the life I wish I could!” Philip shares this sentiment as they connect while breaking free from the confines of Philip’s strict Do Not Resuscitate order. A small moment of joy involves them sharing a joint to alleviate Philip’s Neurogenic pain as Dell inspires Philip to reclaim his zest for life, leading to candid conversations and a growing friendship.

Dell’s compassion aids Philip in various areas, from modifying his wheelchair to exposing him to opera and modern art. Dell’s creativity shines through when he paints, leading to Philip displaying his artwork proudly. There are subtle hints of feelings between Yvonne and Philip, which Dell probes; however, it is eventually revealed that Philip is romantically corresponding with Lily Foley via letters.

In an attempt to reconnect with his son, Dell includes Anthony in an outing, though it turns sour when Anthony feels disappointed and returns a gift Dell had given him. Tensions arise during a surprise birthday celebration for Philip, where an argument culminates in a cathartic moment of destruction, while the night ends with Philip connecting with Lily, who depicts a different reality than expected.

As time passes, financial success comes for Dell, who secures a new home for Latrice and Anthony, and even starts a business focused on motorized wheelchairs. However, Philip’s struggles with depression and caregiver turnover prompt his assistant Yvonne to leave, further isolating him. In a bold move to rekindle their friendship, Dell takes Philip for a drive, culminating in their thrilling encounter with the police.

Their journey leads to emotional breakthroughs where both men confront their vulnerabilities. Dell ambitiously plans for Philip to go paragliding again, ultimately finding a way to reconnect Philip with Yvonne before returning to his much-missed family, solidifying a newfound sense of purpose and healing for them all.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for The Upside

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from The Upside. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Official Trailer

"Dell Unveils Painting" Clip

Kevin Hart And Nicole Kidman Don't Get Along - Extended Preview

"Happening" TV Commercial

"Aretha" TV Commercial

“Apple" Featurette

“Divide” Featurette

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


remakeamerican remakemale friendshipquadriplegiacaregiverferrariunemploymentcar chasesignaturejob interviewin medias respenthousepolice chasefather son relationshipamazon alexareference to jay zdo not resuscitatelive in positionex convictparole officerreference to aretha franklinart gallerysmoking marijuanahotdogbad punoperabirthdaysurprise partyreference to banksyreference to grimm's fairy talescoffee spilled in lapspilling coffee on someoneparaglidinggrowing a beardfired from a jobnew york cityno opening creditsreference to googlereference to marvin gayebookfriendtelephonefeeding someonewine bottlehot dogdrivingchicago illinoispolicemaking a betworkplace

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