Editors Note: The Last Time David Had Viewed The Intouchables Was Back in 13′, So His General Recollection Of The Original Film Varies, Based On His Own Memory
I’m personally quite the avid fan of Toledano and Nakache’s work. Although I wouldn’t call their films masterpieces, the one thing that every Toledano and Nakache film manages to do, is to enchant and entertain its audience with the power of comedy. With their most recent film C’est La Vie, their dynamic brand of fresh humor is perfectly served in a delightful manner. First and foremost, Toledano and Nakache’s films are accessible to almost anybody, so it wouldn’t come as a surprise that there would be an eventual remake for their most popular and most widely loved film, The Intouchables. I was skeptical by the idea of a remake at first. The Intouchables was such a lovely, beautifully crafted, film, that the need for a remake just seemed more like a studio mandated executive decision, to produce a cash grab more than anything else. However, I’m incredibly contented to report that The Upside is delightful. January is off to quite the unexpected banger.
What I was most worried about The Upside, was how it was going to adapt the numerous hilarious scenes from the original. Were they going for a more slapstick approach or a more toned down serious route? I’m happy to say that there’s a solid middle ground in The Upside, where Kevin Hart’s typical loud stereotypical character didn’t distract nor degrade the film’s quality. In fact, I’m delighted to say that this is Hart’s best role to date. Bringing plenty to the table with his emotional range, we the audience sympathies with him due to his infectious charisma, regardless of how big of an asshole he may be. Bryan Cranston is also worthy of a mention, bringing plenty of charm and dry wit to the table. While not Cranston’s finest work, it’s still a performance worth acknowledging.
It’s difficult to really comment on anything else regarding The Upside, due to how solid it all was. It’s not a film that takes any particular risks, nor does it do anything interesting visually. Heck, even some of the editing choices and frame rate switches felt explicitly unprofessional and candid. However, with it’s fresh lightning in a bottle brand of humor, and a talented dynamic duo at it’s core, how can one not like this movie?
The Upside is a good ol’ fun time at the movies. Sure, the film doesn’t do anything with Toledano and Nakache’s original, which at the end of the day defeats the purpose of the film existing in the first place. However, it does enough execution and substance wise for it too be considered as well suited and worth one’s time. Worst scenario, you will forget this film within the upcoming weeks. Best case scenario, you’re going to have a fun time!
The Upside Opens Nationwide On January 11th
On The Clock 
Great review and I’m glad to hear it’s a solid movie! I would have seen it regardless but you never know with comedies, sometimes all the funny moments are in the trailer.
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