Read Mixed User Reviews for Upgrade

6

MattBrady99Sep 15, 2019

It's like Venom, but upgraded.

This is Leigh Whannell second movie he directed and it's pretty solid. Cheesy and poorly written, but enjoyable with some cool practical deaths. Logan Marshall-Green, in-spite of his uncanny replica to TomIt's like Venom, but upgraded.

This is Leigh Whannell second movie he directed and it's pretty solid. Cheesy and poorly written, but enjoyable with some cool practical deaths. Logan Marshall-Green, in-spite of his uncanny replica to Tom Hardy, was pretty good, especially with his reaction to tense situations made it even more entertaining.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

imdoingmypartJun 1, 2018

I find myself suffering from the condition currently known as “superhero fatigue.” It almost feels ungrateful for me to reject this wave of consistently entertaining and often charming action films, generally filled with playful banter andI find myself suffering from the condition currently known as “superhero fatigue.” It almost feels ungrateful for me to reject this wave of consistently entertaining and often charming action films, generally filled with playful banter and genuinely funny gags, but it’s gotten to the point of total predictability and the reoccurring post-credits question of “did I gain anything from watching this?” I guess it’s a more general fatigue; Star Wars, Jurassic World, Ocean’s 8, and countless others fall under the same category. Perhaps it’s more of a “summer fatigue” defined by A-list stars, big budgets, and, most importantly, safe and unimaginative stories.

Then we have Upgrade, a film that focuses entirely on a thrilling catalyst, stunning visuals, and physical performances – in lieu of any creative dialogue. At one point, I questioned if this production is a Verhoeven-inspired satire, since I often thought of Robocop both in story and in character interaction. In reflection, Upgrade does take a different path, but that is not to say that the film fails in its tone and purpose.

The film opens (after a unique opening credits sequence, I must add) with an entirely generic sci-fi scene: a man works on an old hot-rod in a futuristic society. The man’s wife comes home, and the two exchange painfully simple and flat dialogue that exposes a stale idea: some people embrace new technology, and some people reject it. Our protagonist even says something along the lines of “you see a new computer chip, I see ten people out of a job.” At that point, hope is all but lost for this film.

Out of nowhere, Upgrade picks up and does not stop. Tedious moments of forced interaction are replaced with strife and mystery. Genuine moments of physical comedy and tense action appear. The dialogue never becomes Shakespeare, but the film starts to feel more like James Cameron and less like Michael Bay. After the first twenty minutes, I was prepared to give Upgrade an undivided thumbs down. Forty minutes in, I was wondering if it was even the same film.

I cannot treat Upgrade like a sci-fi masterpiece. I cannot forgive its painful first act. I doubt that this film will resist the void of forgotten action flicks. But Upgrade’s second and third acts provide some of the best entertainment of 2018 so far and manage to offer the audience an escape from summer fatigue.… Expand

3 of 11 users found this helpful38

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6

ndjn3979Jun 22, 2018

The entire storyline can be predicted within the first 15 minutes. But this is not the type of movie you watch for a deep story anyway. It is listed as a "Body Horror" movie, but is more of a subdued action flick. Overall, entertaining andThe entire storyline can be predicted within the first 15 minutes. But this is not the type of movie you watch for a deep story anyway. It is listed as a "Body Horror" movie, but is more of a subdued action flick. Overall, entertaining and worth watching.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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5

amheretojudgeAug 1, 2018

a genetic tale that breathes platitude methodology..

Upgrade 2 And A Half Out Of 5 Upgrade is a plot driven action feature that may resonate with the audience on emotional level but unfortunately emits an old textbook policy. The sci-fia genetic tale that breathes platitude methodology..

Upgrade

2 And A Half Out Of 5

Upgrade is a plot driven action feature that may resonate with the audience on emotional level but unfortunately emits an old textbook policy. The sci-fi theme of the feature seems untouched in here since despite of imputing various neat and slick technology, the world somehow feels one dimensional and bit under-cooked for it to hold the audience in its bubble. Whannell's world in here is predictable and unimpressive despite of having such a wide range where its single-minded characters (irony in that) fails to lure the audience in and care for them. The feature is not smart or groundbreaking but its sincerity and passion is something that travels unflinchingly to the viewers. The writing is blunt with seen-this-seen-that sequences but its gripping screenplay and fast paced tone helps one not only survive but thoroughly enjoy it. It is short on technical aspects like production design (it lacks essential budget), background score, cinematography and editing. Although the camera work is pleasing and appreciative along with the choreography of all the action sequence that are not only created smartly but performed brilliantly too. Leigh Whannell; the writer-director, has certainly improved on executing the dramatic sequence then last time (Insidious Chapter 3), but unfortunately that's not saying a lot. It falls flatly on face on terms of performance; especially by the protagonist Logan Marshall-Green and Betty Gabriel supporting him who had much bigger window than the antagonist for it isn't offered enough screen-time to create an anticipated impact, the performance is incompetent which is not feasible at all. Stunning art design and gut-wrenching action sequences are the only high points of the feature. Upgrade is a genetic tale that breathes platitude methodology and shallow ideology whose neither potential nor kinetic energy, is able to move past its wafer-thin concept.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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6

moviemitch96Jun 2, 2018

It's pretty been there done that in terms of someone receiving superhuman/cyborg abilities after being seriously injured/beaten. And while it does have its cool and interesting moments, I simply felt it to be a bit too generic for my likingIt's pretty been there done that in terms of someone receiving superhuman/cyborg abilities after being seriously injured/beaten. And while it does have its cool and interesting moments, I simply felt it to be a bit too generic for my liking and the ending felt like a rather rushed copout to me. Overall, like I said, some cool moments and fun to be had, but not really enough to help it stand out from other similar films.… Expand

1 of 9 users found this helpful18

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4

timjimlimJun 8, 2018

I went into this movie really wanting to like it. The reviews were positive, and I love a good action film, and I love being able to support independent / non-studio films. However, throughout the film, I couldn't help thinking "This movie isI went into this movie really wanting to like it. The reviews were positive, and I love a good action film, and I love being able to support independent / non-studio films. However, throughout the film, I couldn't help thinking "This movie is way too long..." only to realize it was only 95 minutes. For an action movie, I couldn't believe how bored and uninterested I was with the entire movie. Granted, the action sequences were pretty awesome, but other than the few bursts of action, I did not enjoy any aspect of the film. The writing was so contrived and dull, the plot points were predictable and formulaic, and unfortunately the acting was also so very sub par. For an actor turned director like Leigh, I thought there would be an effort to give the actors a time to shine, but I was definitely lacking any moment of real connection with anyone on screen. Also, I was so very aware of the lack of diversity, given that the one relevant character of color was the female detective who was given very little through the entire movie. I just remained uninterested the entire way through. I could see how this is an enjoyable summer action movie, given that it was what the intention was for the film, but I feel like there was such a lack of character, I left the movie feeling like I wasted 95 minutes of my life.… Expand

1 of 12 users found this helpful111

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6

BrianMcCriticSep 2, 2018

A solid sci-fi action film that has become a little over hyped. The action scenes are the best part of the film and I enjoyed the story for the most part. The problem comes with weak character development. You find yourself not caring aboutA solid sci-fi action film that has become a little over hyped. The action scenes are the best part of the film and I enjoyed the story for the most part. The problem comes with weak character development. You find yourself not caring about anyone except the lead. Overall a high 6 a B.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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6

marcmyworksSep 25, 2018

Upgrade is a pure dystopian Black Mirror-type film that works more than half the time. The problems are the pacing and rushed plot line which for the most is fairly obvious. Overall it is well shot but there are minor details that bother meUpgrade is a pure dystopian Black Mirror-type film that works more than half the time. The problems are the pacing and rushed plot line which for the most is fairly obvious. Overall it is well shot but there are minor details that bother me such as who cracks and puts all the glow sticks in a hallway during the chase scene? If the villains have nano-bots why not just use them all the time? Etc.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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5

ScienceAdvisorOct 11, 2018

SciFi techno-magic, convienence, and implausiblility all collide in Upgrade. As the action picks up, the rest of the quality falls, relying on tropes due to a lack of creativity. The twist is so painfully obvious from the onset, you have toSciFi techno-magic, convienence, and implausiblility all collide in Upgrade. As the action picks up, the rest of the quality falls, relying on tropes due to a lack of creativity. The twist is so painfully obvious from the onset, you have to question why writer are allowed to direct without oversight.… Expand

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

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6

SrPepeMar 26, 2020

Entretenida y con conceptos interesantes. Sin embargo, poco innovadora, una actuación poco destacable y una historia predecible. Está bien para pasar el rato, no la volvería a ver.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

tiparSep 8, 2018

A little long for my taste but the humor touches, Logan's hotness, and the fight scenes save the movie

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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6

InTrippyEntropyJun 19, 2019

7 months ago

Upgrade is about a tech genius that is going to solve the world's problems with his invention of a implanted chip that turns you into a super man. It stars Logan Marshall Green as Grey Trace, who's always good, and Harrison7 months ago

Upgrade is about a tech genius that is going to solve the world's problems with his invention of a implanted chip that turns you into a super man. It stars Logan Marshall Green as Grey Trace, who's always good, and Harrison Gilbertson as the crazy billionaire inventor. First off, he does not seem to be a genius. He does his best to seem odd . But it isn't unconvincing. Maybe more like a model male model reading from a teleprompter. The movie tries to show you that his house is amazing. But it just seems confusing. More like a bland government building then a mansion. He says obvious and inartful phrases like, "Never has a biomechanical fusion been asked to do so much." Our hero says, (Said as a 30 year old man doing his best to sound grizzled) "Here's the thing kid. I'm not looking to restart my life. I'm looking for the off switch." Then abruptly turns his head to the side as if to say, "Leave me now!", Like a daytime soap. After the implant operation, Grey struggles to walk for the first time. He stands and the camera zooms in on his crutches as they fall to the ground amid a crescendo of church organ. It's hard to know what they want us to think: Are they trying to be different? Winking at the audience? It was laughable. Taken as a dumb bloody action movie, there are a few bloody scenes. At some point it seems like they were going for ultraviolent but never got very inventive or quite nasty enough. I had the same problem with the premise here as I did with ex machina. If you have a priceless invention, a sentient robot or all-knowing embedded chip, who would you choose to test it out? Someone you knew and trusted, who is knowledgeable and responsible? Or an angry suicidal crime victim? Fisk, the nemesis, who's also upgraded, turns out to be the most interesting character in the movie. But just as he says a few sentences that would have made this worthwhile, our hero kills him. It is written and directed by Leigh Whannell whose credits include a long string of crappy horror and supernatural movies. The dialogue and direction would need a lot of work before this could be described as interesting or moving.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

ShadowvidDec 29, 2018

I've seen some similarities between this movie and Ex-Machina from 2015 in terms of how in both movies the (a.i) used the main protagonist to fulfil their ultimate goal , getting past that. the action sequences we're well filmed, about storyI've seen some similarities between this movie and Ex-Machina from 2015 in terms of how in both movies the (a.i) used the main protagonist to fulfil their ultimate goal , getting past that. the action sequences we're well filmed, about story not as original as you would think but as an overall expericene was okey.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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6

DawdlingPoetNov 27, 2021

This film has some good visual effects/CGI and I suppose it did remind me a bit of Blade Runner, in that its a sci-fi thriller film but its certainly not as original or memorable. Thematically speaking. it's about digitisation andThis film has some good visual effects/CGI and I suppose it did remind me a bit of Blade Runner, in that its a sci-fi thriller film but its certainly not as original or memorable. Thematically speaking. it's about digitisation and manipulation. It is somewhat engrossing and an entertaining watch but it's not what I'd consider a particularly good film. It's ok...good enough as a film but not especially good. I wouldn't go out of your way to see this film as such, no, so I wouldn't recommend it, no.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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