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    The Upside

    Directed by Neil Burger
    USA | 118 minutes | World Cinema Now

A heartfelt comedy that finds a wealthy yet pessimistic man (Bryan Cranston) with quadriplegia discovering a new zest for life when he hires a fast-talking parolee (Kevin Hart) to be his caretaker in this hysterical adaptation of the French international phenomenon, The Intouchables (PSIFF 2013).

film synopsis

Infusing the world-renowned true story with irrefutable Hollywood star power and some NYC grit, The Upside is a remarkable charmer invigorated by the infectious chemistry between Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston. With a prior record preventing him from any meaningful employment, Dell (Hart) has nearly given up when he mistakenly stumbles into the extravagant penthouse of New York City billionaire Phillip Lacasse (Cranston), a man living with quadriplegia. Despite any semblance of experience, the curmudgeonly Phillip smugly opts for the unqualified Dell for his in-home caretaker, much to the displeasure of Phillip’s assistant Yvonne (Nicole Kidman in rare form). The odd couple, surprising to no one, have very little in common. But as Dell is introduced to a new world of Mozart concertos and an intimate relationship with Phillip’s catheter, a deeper understanding of each other’s complex lives develops. Featuring a celebrated dramatic turn by Hart and a soulful, yet hilarious, cannabis-driven performance from Cranston, The Upside is destined to be a new classic.

film details

Director: Neil Burger
Producers: Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch
Screenwriter: Jon Hartmere
Cinematographers: Stuart Dryburgh
Editor: Naomi Geraghty
Music: Rob Simonsen
Cast: Bryan Cranston, Kevin Hart, Nicole Kidman, Julianna Margulies
Country: USA
Language: English
Year: 2017
Running Time: 118 minutes
Primary Company: STXfilms

director biography

2019 Film Festival