The Upside

Name: The Upside
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Released: January 11, 2019
Duration: 126 min
Rating: 46
Cast: Aja Naomi King, Amara Karan, Annie Pisapia, Bryan Cranston, Gary Ayash

2019

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 40 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 104 Ratings

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6.2

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6.2	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 104 Ratings

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The Upside

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Movie Details & Credits

STX Entertainment | Release Date: January 11, 2019 | PG-13

Starring: Aja Naomi King, Amara Karan, Annie Pisapia, Bryan Cranston, Gary Ayash, Genevieve Angelson, Golshifteh Farahani, Jahi Di'Allo Winston, Jennifer Butler, Julianna Margulies, Julie Stackhouse, Kevin Hart, Kimberly S. Fairbanks, Kristina Aponte, Madeleine Woolner, Nicole Kidman, Pia Mechler, Robert Benn, Suzanne Savoy, Tate Donovan

Summary: A recently paroled ex-convict (Kevin Hart) strikes up an unlikely friendship with a paralyzed billionaire (Bryan Cranston).

Director: Neil Burger

Genre(s): Drama, Comedy

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 126 min

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Critic Reviews

James Berardinelli

Jan 14, 2019

The film’s predictability is offset by what Hart and Cranston bring to the proceedings. Read full review

Peter Rainer

Jan 11, 2019

The Upside is a movie that somehow works, at least some of the time, even when it shouldn’t. Read full review

Barry Hertz

Jan 7, 2019

Cranston and Hart fight tooth and nail to keep the film as charming as possible, though, with Hart going to particularly impressive lengths. It almost works, until you remember it shouldn't. Read full review

Stephanie Zacharek

Jan 10, 2019

Neither great nor terrible. It quavers in that middle ground of pictures you think you might watch on a plane someday, and you could make a worse choice. Read full review

Ignatiy Vishnevetsky

Jan 10, 2019

The rest is feel-good painted unenthusiastically by numbers: a repetitive series of artificially inflated character conflicts and tossed-off resolutions, interspersed with slapstick and jokes about prissy rich snobs, ultimately adding up to far less than the sum of its well-worn parts. Read full review

David Fear

Jan 11, 2019

It’s a mediocrity no matter when you release it. Read full review

Mark Kennedy

Jan 9, 2019

Few films in memory have squandered so much acting talent in such a cliche-ridden, exploitative and dishonest way. Read full review

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User Reviews

playerstatus143

Jan 13, 2019

An amazing film that can be classified under any category. Great acting, Great plot couldn't ask for more

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

meydianarizki21

Nov 10, 2022

I felt amazing.
Personally, I felt this film was amazing. As usual, Cranston delivers an outstanding performance but that wasn't surprising. Kevin Hart was also great in it ; proved he is really a talented actor. Lots of great chemistry between the 2 actors. Thoroughly entertaining andI felt amazing.
Personally, I felt this film was amazing. As usual, Cranston delivers an outstanding performance but that wasn't surprising. Kevin Hart was also great in it ; proved he is really a talented actor. Lots of great chemistry between the 2 actors. Thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable. And, the more I think of it, this is a film that has many life lessons that we can all think about and take in as a society. Those include the idea of 2nd chances and refraining from automatically judging a book by its cover. And, the boldest message in the film is that people should be more accepting and try not to look at everyones flaws, more importantly, to not let others opinions or thoughts get you down and to live your life regardless of what others think of you as a person. With lots of negativity and discrimination in the world, whether it be between different races, religions, etc, we as a society must learn to look past these differences and be more accepting. The film presents this in a very positive way and makes you feel genuinely good at the end. It is also a funny film with lots of good jokes and smart comedy as well. The film definitely made me think of how I could relate to it and could not agree more with the lessons in it. I would give this film 9 stars if I could as it is rare that the entertainment world produces anything so meaningful and significant.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

gfreeman4

Jan 13, 2019

This movie is very good. I came out of the theater happy. The movie is a feel-good, uplifting film that really leaves a mark on you emotionally. Despite some minor subplot problems. Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston deliver a wonderful performance with amazing on screen chemistry. WouldThis movie is very good. I came out of the theater happy. The movie is a feel-good, uplifting film that really leaves a mark on you emotionally. Despite some minor subplot problems. Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston deliver a wonderful performance with amazing on screen chemistry. Would definitely recommend!… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

ItsMrRagnarok

Nov 30, 2020

I saw the movie a few days ago and it was fantastic, Loved it, almost made me cry. The great cast and especially the chemistry between Brian Cranston and Kevin Hart was outstanding.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Wavy_Yeezy

May 24, 2019

A ok movie. Again like everyone says their chemistry is great but it's too cliche.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Shajac19

Jun 1, 2019

This movie is average at best. That being said, I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. The Upside is an inspiring tale that suffers from melodrama and a slow script. The cast is passable and Kevin Hart does a decent job stepping into a more serious role. Overall, the movie is farThis movie is average at best. That being said, I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. The Upside is an inspiring tale that suffers from melodrama and a slow script. The cast is passable and Kevin Hart does a decent job stepping into a more serious role. Overall, the movie is far from great and not rewatchable but if you're bored on a Sunday afternoon and desperate for something to watch, The Upside is satisfying and enjoyable enough.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

PeteDogg1979

Jan 13, 2019

One of the worst films I have ever seen. Kevin Hart is a terrible actor. Just awful.

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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