Phillip (Bryan Cranston) is a paraplegic in need of a new caregiver. Dell (Kevin Hart) is an ex-convict on parole who needs to prove he is looking for a job to stay out of prison. Due to an incredibly unbelievable job interview mix up Dell finds himself with the well paid job as Phillip’s live in caregiver and The Upside tells us of their unlikely friendship.

The Upside has had a tumultuous journey getting to the big screen. A remake of the French film The Intouchables and based on a true story, it was made in 2017. Unfortunately it was due to be distributed by The Weinstein Company and due to Harvey Weinstein’s much publicised fall from grace has been waiting to be sold off and distributed by another company.

The wait unfortunately has not necessarily been worthwhile. It’s the sort of perfectly ok film that you could while away on a Sunday evening in front of the television, but it doesn’t wow you with anything interesting or new.

Both of our main characters have marginally touched upon troubles in their past lives. Phillip mourns the loss of his wife and there are allusions to him not wanting to go on living in his condition. Dell is an absentee father who has no money to support them. Neither story is overly fleshed out and flashbacks to Phillip’s past life stop after only a few have been presented. The fringe characters are even less well served with Nicole Kidman given a thankless role as a friend of Phillip who heard of his accident and thought she could help.

Otherwise the film has humour, moments of male bonding and the message that disability should not stop you. Most of this seems badly managed though. The humour is sometimes awkwardly placed in moments that should feel serious and of course Phillip being a millionaire and able to pay for the best care available dampens the indomitable spirit vibes.

But ultimately it’s fine. I just wouldn’t recommend thinking too hard about the plot afterwards. In fact I would suggest perhaps watching a film like Me Before You instead.