The first trailer for The Upside, a remake of the 2011 French film The Intouchables, has been released.

While the film, which stars Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston, was originally scheduled to hit theaters last year, it is just now starting its marketing campaign. This after the fallout of the Harvey Weinstein scandal that put The Weinstein Company into ruin. Check out the trailer below.

The Upside pretty much follows The Intouchables beat for beat. A recent parolee (Hart) looking for work finds an unexpected connection with his wealthy paraplegic employer (Bryan Cranston). Though the two seem like a very unlikely pair, they forge a powerful friendship that is indescribable.

The film is quite the departure for Hart, who is usually seen screaming or flailing across the screen. Here, Hart is reserved. Very reserved. Which might work in his favor if he wants to branch out from those roles he always seems to find himself in. Put him opposite Cranston and Nicole Kidman, and you could have a pretty decent film.

If only critics who saw it last year spoke highly of it. Reactions to The Upside have been a mixed bag of positive and negative reviews. The film currently sits with a 55% on the Rotten Tomatoes meter. Which isn’t good for any film. Especially one that has been sitting on the shelf for the better part of a year. The fact that it is being released in January says a lot, too.

But the film could find an audience who has a soft spot for sentimental films. This one also happens to be based on a true story. So this might be just the film for them.

The film is directed by Neil Burger (Limitless, Divergent) and written by Jon Hartmere.

Here’s the official plot synopsis:

Inspired by a true story, The Upside is a heartfelt comedy about a recently paroled ex-convict (Kevin Hart) who strikes up an unusual and unlikely friendship with a paralyzed billionaire (Bryan Cranston). Directed by Neil Burger and written by Jon Hartmere, The Upside is based on the hit 2011 French film The Intouchables.

Julianna Margulies and Aja Naomi King also star.

The Upside opens in theaters on January 11, 2019.

Trailer

[Source: STX Entertainment YT]