The Upside

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.

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.

This is not much more than a light crowdpleaser, but when you've got two powerhouse performers like this it is very difficult not to find oneself at least temporarily charmed.

The most optimistic answer would be that after decades of overuse we're beginning to grow weary of such racist caricatures. Let's hope that's true.

For the most part, [Hart] is more subdued than usual and aiming to hit deeper notes - call it Hart-felt.

It's a struggle to find the bright side to this rather hackneyed film.

I hope people can take the time to see it and I hope this can lead Kevin Hart to take more roles that aren't just silly little man child comedies, like he's built his career off of.

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.