“Upgraded” Review: A Heartfelt Nostalgic Rom-Com Revival.
Letterboxd
Director: Carlson Young
Rating: 7/10
Amidst a current climate where romantic comedies have seemingly lost their charm, often laden with cliches and uninspired plotlines, "Upgraded" revitalizes the genre as an enjoyable yet familiar tribute. Though not unconventional in its approach, it effectively delivers through heartfelt performances and execution that cannot be ignored. The movie does not revolutionize traditional romcoms but rather breathes new life into age-old formulas by exploring modern-day love stories while addressing the career goals of today's society – balancing nostalgia with contemporary relevance for classic fans of the genre to savor.
Compared to Netflix's recent offerings which left much to be desired among fans of the once-celebrated rom-com era, "Upgraded" is a welcome change. Prime Video has stepped in and revived the charm of romantic comedies from the early 2000s with a movie that feels genuine and brimming with love for its roots. The film at its core explores themes like self-discovery, resilience, and transformational power of love as we see how modern relationships face obstacles while trying to find their way towards personal growth. Though it may seem familiar on paper, nuanced character dynamics coupled with authentic emotions elevate this movie beyond clichés or predictability- especially when focusing on our lead actress who portrays navigating complex issues unique to modern womanhood brilliantly. In fact, "Upgraded" boldly tackles empowerment topics along themes highlighting women supporting each other; however overt attention given toward romance sidelines more important ideas during several parts throughout the narrative
The remarkable ensemble cast is a standout feature of the film, showcasing an impressive array of skills on screen. Camila Mendes and Archie Renaux have captivating chemistry that effortlessly adds charm and affection to the movie, resulting in delightful entertainment throughout. The supporting actors such as Marisa Tomei and Lena Olin bring depth and personality to their roles which significantly enhance the appeal of the overall storyline. By working together cohesively with genuine warmth towards each other's characters, they reinforce key themes about love, friendship, and growth making it compelling for audiences alike. Despite relying on some standard genre tropes typically seen in romantic comedies today, "Upgraded" excels at bringing authenticity into these overplayed concepts through heartfelt performances sure enough stands out from films that saturate current markets under this category.
Although it's not a groundbreaking work of art, "Upgraded" achieves the task of evoking nostalgic sentiments associated with traditional romantic comedies through its novel take on modern romance. While it doesn't attempt to redefine or revolutionize this genre, that wasn't necessary for its success. The movie tells an endearing tale and perfectly captures the ambiance reminiscent of rom-coms from the ‘90s and early 2000s era; despite lacking cinematic excellence yet managed to keep me smiling throughout due to how heartwarming it was in all its simplicity. Predictability is no longer synonymous with disaster in rom-com flicks as proven by "Upgraded." Its storyline flows along well without any significant twists which make you wonder until every moment but still delightfully ends up where one would expect – creditable direction delivered top-notch performances that provided entertainment at plenty!
Prime Video
However, "Upgraded" missed the opportunity to soar by failing to bring fresh material into its conventional romance. Though effective and engaging overall, this aspect proved lackluster - a regrettable shortcoming considering the film's success in exploring themes of friendship and personal growth. If only the romantic elements had received equal attention with innovative ideas like those featured elsewhere in the movie, "Upgraded" could have transcended from merely enjoyable to outstanding within its genre. Additionally, with genuine storytelling and heartfelt performances that strike an emotional chord for all ages; "Upgraded," despite not fulfilling its full potential romantically still manages a charmingly heartwarming comedic tale about love & self-discovery deserving inclusion among timeless rom-com classics.
To sum up, "Upgraded" provides a warm and inviting escape for those craving the nostalgia of traditional romantic comedies. It serves as a delightful homage to the genre's glory days, reminding us that familiarity can often be just what we need in cinema - when presented with sincerity and an endearing touch. While it doesn't offer revolutionary ideas or changed formulas on how rom-com should be done, "Upgraded" is still enjoyable enough to keep you engaged throughout its journey - one that many viewers will surely relish experiencing.
