UPGRADE (2018)

Written & Directed By: Leigh Whannell 
Cinematography By: Stefan Duscio 
Editor: Andy Canny 

Cast: Logan Marshall-Green, Melanie Vallejo, Betty Gabriel, Harrison Gilbertson, Benedict Hardie, Richard Cawthorne, Christopher Kirby 


A vision of a Utopian future where technology is supremely ubiquitous. In that future, technophobe Grey Trace embraces an experimental computer chip implant named STEM after a mugging incident leaves him paralyzed and his wife dead. STEM proves to possess its own agency, making for an unpredictable ally in Trace's vendetta.

This is a movie where being over the the top is one of it’s virtues. As this film is set in the future but seems more interested in the bloody acts of venegence. Where as even though the violence is shocking it is used for good effect and not as ultraviolent as the trailers would have you believe.

What is exciting is that this movie seemed to come out of nowhere. Which brings plenty of enjoyment.

Even if in it’s own way it is a homage and owes a debt to ROBOCOP in many ways. Amongst other films like DEADLY FREIND, MONKEY SHINES, SURROGATES, and GAMER where there are technological advancements that are amazing, but also seemed to have made society tougher and more uncaring in general. Though because of those similarities it might be hard to focus on exactly what the film offers from itself.

While it tries to for a futuristic science fiction setting and originality. While being a revenge centered action film. It’s pure genre and pretty violent.

This is a fun movie where you can see the twists coming at times but might leave you ultimately surprised. This is also a film where all the villains you can see coming as they seem to be dirty and/or odd looking.

The action sequences are fun as it combines gruesome violence and style. Which while leaving the film to be pretty violent for an action film though the hand to thanks combat scene are Incredible and lead Logan Marshall green and his movements and physical acting go above way and beyond. He deserves special mention.

The camerawork is vivid and takes you in a wild ride that feeds On Itself but by not and can become precise yet discombobulating.

It also tries to show how far technology can go or become. Especially if left to run wild. While also being a case of be careful what you wish for, especially when the advancement at your disposal and In Control

The film has a dark ending that you don't expect to be so bleak.

Even as there is a devastation that hangs over this film that makes it feel constantly downtrodden. Even In it’s triumphs

This film is not necessarily the best directed but the film has a concept that is a good idea. Also well structured.

This is a film that shows the consequences of the leads actions while trying to get the audience into the thrill and fun. Where here we see the aftermath as either a warning or collateral damage, but the film still wants to bring you down while also making other innocent characters not directly involved insignificant cows up for slaughter. Bathing in their blood as the film seems to want it’s cake and eat it too.


Grade: C+