The Upside: A Hollywood Retelling of a Familiar Tale
This is essentially a remake of the acclaimed French dramedy “The Intouchables,” but with Bryan Cranston in the lead.
Phillip (Bryan Cranston), a wealthy and cultured man, possesses everything money can buy: a lavish mansion, luxury cars, and priceless works of art. However, what money can’t provide is a time machine to undo a paragliding accident that left him paralyzed. Compounding his misfortune, his wife tragically passed away. Though Phillip has physically recovered, the emotional scars of loss linger, leaving him indifferent to life and death. He even persuades his caretaker, Yvonne (Nicole Kidman), to sign a “do not resuscitate” order.
An Unlikely Encounter
Phillip’s life takes an unexpected turn when he begins the search for a new caregiver. Amidst a series of dull and peculiar candidates, he encounters Dell (Kevin Hart), a down-on-his-luck parolee who stumbles into the interview seeking a signature to maintain his unemployment benefits. Dell’s unconventional approach, marked by inappropriate jokes and a disregard for social norms, surprisingly captivates Phillip, leading to an immediate job offer.
A Familiar Story, Reimagined
Thus begins an unlikely friendship. “The Intouchables” was a box-office sensation in France in 2011, achieving international success and garnering prestigious awards. Hollywood’s tendency to remake successful European films is well-known. It’s surprising that it took so long in this case, with India and Argentina already having released their own versions.
While much has changed in the intervening years, particularly in Hollywood, the creators of “The Upside” remain faithful to the core narrative. The story of two lonely individuals finding solace in each other remains timeless.
Staying True to the Original
The primary objective was to preserve the charm of the original film and avoid drastic alterations to the plot. The story has been simplified, with the most significant change being the romantic subplot, which, while debatable, results in a poignant restaurant scene featuring Julianna Margulies. The film avoids social commentary, focusing instead on a feel-good narrative. The most notable nod to modern reality is Phillip’s lament that pre-date online searches have diminished romance.
Strong Performances
The film’s appeal largely rests on the performances of Cranston, Kidman, and Hart. Cranston’s expressions are captivating, while Hart embodies boundless energy. Kidman delivers a solid performance despite her character being somewhat uninspired. The humor is mild, with a memorable scene involving an erection and a few endearing, drug-induced gags.
A Hollywood Tale
The subtitle “A Hollywood Story” perfectly encapsulates the film. It embodies the familiar Hollywood formula, complete with lavish visuals, bittersweet moments, and heartwarming resolutions. It presents a world reminiscent of “Pretty Woman,” where a streetwise character is moved by opera and a jaded millionaire finds joy in simple pleasures. While some may find it cliché and contrived, others will appreciate it as an escape to a world where everything ultimately works out.