The Upside
The Upside
Philip is a disabled billionaire, who feels that life is not worth living. To help him in his day-to-day routine, he hires Del, a parolee who is trying to reconnect with his estranged wife. What begins as a professional relationship develops into a friendship as Del shows his grouchy charge that life is worth living.
Manuel Frangis reviewedMarch 21, 2025
I just watched The Upside and I give it 5 out of 5 stars. This is one of those movies that is funny heartwarming and just an all around great watch. It has the perfect mix of comedy drama and real emotion making it one of the best feel good movies I have seen in a while.
The story follows Dell a struggling ex convict who gets a job as a caregiver for Phillip a wealthy man who is paralyzed from the neck down. At first they seem like complete opposites but as they spend more time together they develop an unlikely but meaningful friendship. The way the movie builds their relationship is what makes it so great. It never feels forced or cheesy just natural and real.
Kevin Hart is amazing in this movie. This is one of his best performances because he is still funny but also gets to show a more serious side. He brings so much energy and humor to Dell but also makes him feel like a real person. His character is flawed but likable and you genuinely want to see him succeed.
Bryan Cranston as Phillip is just as incredible. He has such a commanding presence even without being able to move and delivers every line with the perfect mix of sarcasm intelligence and heart. The way he plays off Kevin Hart makes every scene between them work so well. Their chemistry is what holds the movie together and makes it such an enjoyable watch.
The humor in The Upside is really well done. The movie deals with serious topics but never feels depressing because the comedy keeps things light when it needs to. A lot of the best moments come from the way Dell and Phillip joke with each other. Their dynamic is so entertaining because it feels like a real friendship.
At the same time the movie has a lot of heart. It does not just rely on jokes but also explores themes of second chances overcoming obstacles and finding purpose in life. There are some genuinely emotional moments that hit hard without ever feeling too forced or dramatic.
The pacing is perfect. The movie never drags or feels rushed. Every scene adds something meaningful to the story whether it is a funny moment between the two main characters or a more serious conversation about their struggles. It keeps you engaged from start to finish.
The supporting cast is also great. Nicole Kidman plays a more reserved role but adds a nice balance to the story. She is serious and professional but also has moments where you see her character’s softer side. Even though the focus is on Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston her presence helps make the movie feel more well rounded.
Another thing that makes The Upside stand out is how uplifting and inspiring it is. Even though both main characters have struggles and challenges the movie is not about feeling sorry for them. It is about how they help each other grow and become better people in unexpected ways. It is a reminder that life does not always go the way you planned but that does not mean it cannot still be great.
Overall The Upside is a fantastic feel good movie that is both funny and heartfelt. Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston are absolutely perfect together and their performances make this one of the best buddy movies in years. It is funny emotional and just an all around great movie to watch. I loved every second of it and I will definitely be watching it again.