The 2017 film The Upside, starring Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston, runs for a total of 1 hour and 58 minutes (118 minutes). This runtime offers a balance of comedic moments and touching drama, making it a comfortably paced watch for most audiences.
Delving Deeper into The Upside
The Upside is a remake of the 2011 French film The Intouchables. It tells the story of Phillip Lacasse, a wealthy quadriplegic, who hires Dell Scott, a recently paroled convict, as his caretaker. Their unlikely friendship forms the heart of the film, offering both comedic relief and poignant reflections on life, disability, and personal growth. While the runtime provides a good overview of their relationship, several aspects contribute to the overall experience of watching The Upside.
Understanding the Pacing and Structure
The movie’s structure is fairly straightforward, following the evolution of Phillip and Dell’s relationship. This narrative arc is punctuated by comedic interludes, which are crucial to the film’s appeal. The pacing is generally brisk, allowing the audience to remain engaged without feeling rushed.
The Significance of Comedic Timing
Kevin Hart’s comedic talents are heavily leveraged, and his delivery plays a crucial role in the film’s pacing. The comedic moments often serve as contrasts to the more serious and emotional scenes, making the overall experience more dynamic and relatable.
Balancing Comedy and Drama
Striking a balance between humor and drama is essential for the success of a film like The Upside. The runtime is carefully structured to allow for sufficient development of both aspects, preventing the film from leaning too heavily in either direction. This balance is crucial for maintaining audience engagement and emotional investment.
FAQs About The Upside
FAQ 1: Is The Upside available on streaming platforms?
Availability can vary depending on your region and current licensing agreements. Check popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max to see if The Upside is currently available. It’s also worth checking rental options on platforms like Apple TV or Google Play.
FAQ 2: Is The Upside based on a true story?
While The Upside is inspired by a true story, it takes significant liberties with the details. The original French film, The Intouchables, is based on the real-life relationship between Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and Abdel Sellou. The Upside is a Hollywood adaptation and is therefore stylized for a broader audience.
FAQ 3: Does the movie have any bonus features on Blu-ray or DVD?
Yes, the Blu-ray and DVD versions of The Upside typically include bonus features such as deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, and commentary from the director and cast. These features offer additional insights into the making of the film and the development of the characters.
FAQ 4: What is the overall tone of The Upside?
The overall tone is a blend of heartwarming comedy and poignant drama. While it deals with serious themes such as disability and social inequality, the film maintains a generally optimistic and uplifting tone. It seeks to highlight the power of friendship and the importance of embracing life’s challenges.
FAQ 5: What are some similar movies to The Upside?
If you enjoyed The Upside, you might also enjoy films like The Intouchables (the original French version), Rain Man, Forrest Gump, and Scent of a Woman. These films explore themes of unlikely friendships, overcoming adversity, and finding meaning in life’s challenges.
FAQ 6: Who directed The Upside?
The Upside was directed by Neil Burger, who is also known for directing films such as Limitless and Divergent. His direction aims to balance the comedic and dramatic elements of the story.
FAQ 7: What are some of the critical reviews of The Upside?
Critical reception of The Upside was mixed. While some praised the performances of Hart and Cranston, others criticized the film for its predictable plot and its handling of sensitive subjects. Many reviewers compared it unfavorably to the original French film. It’s important to consider both positive and negative reviews when deciding whether or not to watch a movie.
FAQ 8: What age rating is The Upside?
The Upside is generally rated PG-13 for thematic elements and some drug use. Parents should consider this rating when deciding whether the film is appropriate for younger viewers. The thematic elements include the depiction of disability and some discussions of personal hardship.
FAQ 9: Is there a sequel planned for The Upside?
As of now, there are no official plans for a sequel to The Upside. While the film was commercially successful, the ending provides a sense of closure, and there has been no indication from the studio or the cast that a sequel is in development.
FAQ 10: What is the soundtrack like in The Upside?
The soundtrack for The Upside features a blend of pop, R&B, and classical music. It includes songs that reflect the characters’ personalities and the overall mood of the film. The music plays an important role in enhancing the emotional impact of certain scenes.
FAQ 11: How does The Upside compare to The Intouchables?
The Upside is a more mainstream, Hollywoodized version of The Intouchables. While it retains the basic plot and characters, it often simplifies the complexities of the relationship and adds more comedic elements. Many critics argue that The Intouchables offers a more nuanced and authentic portrayal of the story.
FAQ 12: What message does The Upside convey?
The Upside ultimately conveys a message of hope, friendship, and the importance of human connection. It highlights the transformative power of unlikely relationships and the potential for personal growth, even in the face of adversity. It encourages viewers to look beyond superficial differences and embrace the shared humanity that binds us all.
Concluding Thoughts
Knowing that The Upside is approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes long provides valuable context for planning your viewing experience. Understanding the film’s themes, critical reception, and background information can enhance your appreciation of this heartwarming and humorous story. Whether you’re a fan of Kevin Hart, Bryan Cranston, or simply looking for an engaging film about friendship, The Upside offers a relatively short, but emotionally resonant journey.