Holy cow.
What. A. Film.
It's honestly incredibly challenging to simply describe what 'Upgrade' is. Is it Sci-Fi? Is it Horror? Is it Action? Is it Comedy?
I'll tell you what it is in the shortest form possible, however.
It. Is. AWESOME.
'Upgrade' was perhaps the most fun I have had at a theatre so far this year. Whether it be through sick thrills of action, incredible feats of filmmaking, great performances worth recognizing, or even simply the feeling this film gives of a sleek action/sci-fi that is pumped full of the strongest steroids and adrenaline imaginable...this film has it all.
'Upgrade' deals with a mechanic, Grey Trace, who through tragedy and opportunity, is endowed with abilities incomprehensible to us...and that is ALL I will tell you, as giving even the tiniest bit more away would honestly ruin all of the surprises and fun that awaits you once you enter the domain of this film.
What I CAN tell you is that what follows you blindly entering this brisk 95 minute trip into sci-fi/action insanity is pure spectacle from the often-told story of Man and Machine. However, as even the posters tell you, this story of Grey Trace and his newfound abilities is not about man. It's not about machine. It's MORE.
And "More" is precisely what this film brings to the table. After a slower burn of a start, the remainder of our runtime is like a thrill ride at an amusement park that you never want to get off of. Incredible and downright revolutionary cinematography and fight choreography. A droning soundtrack that brings up echoes of Brad Fiedel's work in 'The Terminator'. A pitch-black sense of humor that is executed perfectly for the film's tone. A struggle of Man versus Machine that seems something of a send-up to 'RoboCop', only with 21st century parts...and coked out of its mind.
With an apparently micro-budget and backing from the folks at Blumhouse, what manages to be created here is what I believe has the makings of an essential Sci-Fi cult classic. The feeling of being in a theatre to see this, hearing cheers and awed reactions from fellow audience members, grasping the atmosphere of it all...this film BEGS to be seen, and begs to be enjoyed for the incredible, spectacular little Indie film it is. This film, and the experience seeing it with a full theatre, is what this medium is MADE FOR.
In conclusion, what I can tell you is this; if this film is playing anywhere NEAR you, I urge you to get off your computer and go see it immediately. This is by far the most fun film I have seen so far this year, and I think everyone should support a great piece of Indie filmmaking like this so we can show Hollywood what kind of products we want to see. A product like THIS ONE.
'Upgrade' is brutal. 'Upgrade' is tragic. 'Upgrade' is dark. 'Upgrade' is revolutionary. 'Upgrade' is hilarious. 'Upgrade' is fun.
But most of all, in my opinion at least, 'Upgrade' is PERFECT.
Go. See. This. Now.
What. A. Film.
It's honestly incredibly challenging to simply describe what 'Upgrade' is. Is it Sci-Fi? Is it Horror? Is it Action? Is it Comedy?
I'll tell you what it is in the shortest form possible, however.
It. Is. AWESOME.
'Upgrade' was perhaps the most fun I have had at a theatre so far this year. Whether it be through sick thrills of action, incredible feats of filmmaking, great performances worth recognizing, or even simply the feeling this film gives of a sleek action/sci-fi that is pumped full of the strongest steroids and adrenaline imaginable...this film has it all.
'Upgrade' deals with a mechanic, Grey Trace, who through tragedy and opportunity, is endowed with abilities incomprehensible to us...and that is ALL I will tell you, as giving even the tiniest bit more away would honestly ruin all of the surprises and fun that awaits you once you enter the domain of this film.
What I CAN tell you is that what follows you blindly entering this brisk 95 minute trip into sci-fi/action insanity is pure spectacle from the often-told story of Man and Machine. However, as even the posters tell you, this story of Grey Trace and his newfound abilities is not about man. It's not about machine. It's MORE.
And "More" is precisely what this film brings to the table. After a slower burn of a start, the remainder of our runtime is like a thrill ride at an amusement park that you never want to get off of. Incredible and downright revolutionary cinematography and fight choreography. A droning soundtrack that brings up echoes of Brad Fiedel's work in 'The Terminator'. A pitch-black sense of humor that is executed perfectly for the film's tone. A struggle of Man versus Machine that seems something of a send-up to 'RoboCop', only with 21st century parts...and coked out of its mind.
With an apparently micro-budget and backing from the folks at Blumhouse, what manages to be created here is what I believe has the makings of an essential Sci-Fi cult classic. The feeling of being in a theatre to see this, hearing cheers and awed reactions from fellow audience members, grasping the atmosphere of it all...this film BEGS to be seen, and begs to be enjoyed for the incredible, spectacular little Indie film it is. This film, and the experience seeing it with a full theatre, is what this medium is MADE FOR.
In conclusion, what I can tell you is this; if this film is playing anywhere NEAR you, I urge you to get off your computer and go see it immediately. This is by far the most fun film I have seen so far this year, and I think everyone should support a great piece of Indie filmmaking like this so we can show Hollywood what kind of products we want to see. A product like THIS ONE.
'Upgrade' is brutal. 'Upgrade' is tragic. 'Upgrade' is dark. 'Upgrade' is revolutionary. 'Upgrade' is hilarious. 'Upgrade' is fun.
But most of all, in my opinion at least, 'Upgrade' is PERFECT.
Go. See. This. Now.