The Upside

Does it work? No, not really... But Kevin Hart is good.

The Upside is a career best for Kevin Hart, and combined with the talents of Bryan Cranston, the two of them lift the film up above its standard story of an unlikely friendship to create a genuinely moving viewing experience.

This American remake retains many of the elements that made the original such a smash and, as such, proves to be no better or worse than its mildly engaging predecessor.

A really long messy story that overstays its welcome. While some humor works, it should have committed to being a pure drama or a comedy.

As the paint-by-numbers plot progresses -- over two very long hours -- the treacle thickens and it becomes clear that each of them is slowly going to learn from and be redeemed by the others.

For much of the film, Hart seems to be preforming in a different film altogether than the rest of the cast.

The Upside holds itself together due to the chemistry of its leads. [Full Review in Spanish]

What is unfortunate is the contrivance of this story. Hartmere and Burger use the tired convention of starting the film with the resolution of their relationship and then rewind six months to follow the progression.

'The Upside' uplifts its audience.

This is a different look for him, and I'm fine with what he does, stepping in to a dramatic role. I have issues with this film because it wants to play off that "inspired by a true film" a bit too much.