What if there was a comedy-drama that was written and directed by Paul Feig, based on a César Award-winning, Golden Globe-nominated French film, and starred Idris Elba and Colin Firth? You’d be pretty excited, huh? That was almost the case with the new film “The Upside,” which is the English-language remake of the blockbuster French film, “The Intouchables.” However, as with many projects, cast and crew changes, controversy hits, and you’re left with a film that should be incredible, but might actually just be so-so.
In the first trailer for “The Upside,” we see that Idris Elba and Colin Firth were replaced by Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston and Paul Feig was replaced by “Divergent” director Neil Burger. The film tells the true story of a wealthy, quadriplegic man who hires an unlikely assistant to help him with everyday tasks. The comedy is obvious, as Hart has to learn how to change a catheter, but there’s drama as well, with family troubles haunting both men.
Honestly, the film doesn’t look horrible, but what could have been a highly-anticipated film has turned into a January release that is being dumped by the studio. Originally intended to be released by the Weinstein Company, “The Upside” languished in purgatory for a full year since its premiere at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, thanks to the allegations against Harvey Weinstein. Also, the mixed reviews, didn’t help move the film along any faster.
That being said, this is a film with the combined talents of Kevin Hart (whose comedy credentials are second-to-none in today’s film industry) and Bryan Cranston (who is insanely watchable in every performance), and could be a fun time at the theaters.
Worst case scenario, maybe “The Upside” introduces you to “The Intouchables,” and you can discover the original 2011 award-winning film yourself.
“The Upside” hits theaters on January 11, 2019.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TxI-eQITLs
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