The Upside

Based on the 2011 French film The Intouchables, this heartfelt comedy inspired by a true story centers on the developing friendship between an ex-convict and a quadriplegic Manhattan billionaire. Confined to a wheelchair after a devastating paragliding accident, Philip Lacasse (Bryan Cranston) is interviewing potential caregivers when surly Dell Scott (Kevin Hart) wanders into his penthouse by mistake, thinking he’s applying for a janitorial position. Chastised by his parole officer, Dell must get three signatures to prove that he’s applied for jobs. He also needs a place to sleep, since his angry ex-wife (Aja Naomi King) has tossed him out on the street, refusing to let this deadbeat dad see his young son. Much to the consternation of his devoted, no-nonsense business manager (Nicole Kidman), Philip hires rudely belligerent Dell. Although he’s grateful for this live-in position with its generous salary, Dell has no idea what his “life auxiliary” duties entail—such as lifting Philip from bed to wheelchair, feeding him, and bathing him, including changing his catheter. Gradually, the brooding, bitter Philip begins to enjoy life more, particularly when Dell takes him joyriding in one of the fancy sports cars he’s kept garaged. And Dell goes one step further, trying to encourage lonely widower Philip to meet the woman with whom he’s had an epistolary relationship. Directed by Neil Burger, this is a decidedly upbeat film about human nature, an odd-couple male bonding tale that is a feel-good crowd-pleaser. Recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a gag reel (3 min.), deleted scenes (3 min.), and the brief production segments “Onscreen Chemistry,” “Creating a Story of Possibility,” “Bridging Divisions,” “Embracing Positivity,” and “Presenting a Different Side of Kevin Hart” (5 min. total). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a decent extras package for an engaging remake of a foreign film.] (S. Granger)