The Upside
Performance & Direction: The Upside Review
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Upside (2019) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Upside features a noteworthy lineup led by Kevin Hart . Supported by the likes of Bryan Cranston and Nicole Kidman , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: The Upside
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2019, The Upside is a Comedy, Drama film directed by Neil Burger. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Kevin Hart.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Phillip is a wealthy quadriplegic who needs a caretaker to help him with his day-to-day routine in his New York penthouse. He decides to hire Dell, a struggling parolee who's trying to reconnect with his ex and his young son. Despite coming from two different worlds, an unlikely friendship starts to blossom. The production finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Kevin Hart's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Ending Explained: The Upside
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Neil Burger, The Upside resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Kevin Hart, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Upside reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Upside?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Kevin Hart or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Upside
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $37.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $125.9M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Upside Budget
The estimated production budget for The Upside is $37.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Upside
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Upside Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Hulu🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreFandango At HomeThe Upside Parents Guide & Age Rating
2019 AdvisoryWondering about The Upside age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Upside is 126 minutes (2h 6m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, The Upside is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2019 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Upside worth watching?
The Upside is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Upside parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Upside identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Upside?
The total duration of The Upside is 126 minutes, which is approximately 2h 6m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked The Upside
How The Upside Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Upside
Not bad, though I was expecting more from this acting duo.
When Hart name had come up, I thought it was a comedy movie. But it a great movie!! THB this movie has quite an emotional for me. 9/10 for score.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
