Written/directed by Leigh Whannell and set in the not-too-distant future, Upgrade is the action/sci-fi story of Grey, a self-identified technophobe. One whose only hope to set things right after his world is turned upside down is an experimental implant called Stem.
Starring Logan Marshall-Green, Upgrade isn’t bad but I didn’t exactly love it either. What I did like were the specific impressive moments in the film. Moments of well-delivered dialogue, my favourite of which happens at the very end. Said dialogue is even more impressive, considering the very cool last shot. I enjoyed the fight choreography, for example, some of the moves and the way Marshall-Green was able to remain expressionless at certain points while looking like he was applying all his strength.
As for why I’m not in love with Whannell‘s film, there’s a certain quality to Upgrade that made it feel like something was not as right as it could have been. Perhaps it’s the the writing/structure, and how it didn’t have me feeling as connected to the protagonist or any of the characters as I needed to be.
Maybe it’s the film being set near enough entirely during nighttime. I just know that instead of making me want to fully sing its praises, Upgrade randomly brought to mind other movies I absolutely love. In no particular order: Blade Runner 2049 (2017) ( because of the fight choreography), Ex Machina (2015) (because of the A.I. element) and Locke (2013) (something to do with the nighttime setting and colours, probably.)
No one in Whannell’s film performed especially badly. I hadn’t really heard of Marshall-Green until this movie. I’m now quite certain I’m going to remember him moving forward, and I admit that the beautiful bass in his voice has a little something to do with it.
From writer/director Leigh Whannell, Upgrade is a new action/sci-fi/comedy set during a time in the near future, when technology controls nearly all aspects of life.
Starring Logan Marshall-Green, Rosco Campbell, and Richard Cawthorne, the story centres on a self-identified technophobe named Grey who has his world turned upside down.
Grey’s only hope to set things right is an experimental implant called Stem.
The main reason I’m drawn to this movie is the well-choreographed fight sequences. Maybe I’ll love the rest of it too. Either way, I’ve already been wowed.
Directed by Karyn Kusama; Michiel Huisman and Logan Marshall-Green are the stars of The Invitation, a tense new thriller/horror movie set at a dinner party where things aren’t quite what they seem.
Teaser Trailer
Trailer 1
In addition to the unsettling tensions, it looks like The Invitation will be one of those stories that reminds us all to always trust our instincts and get the hell out if the situation doesn’t feel right. Though, I guess if everyone did that, where would scary movies be – dare we ponder?
John Carroll Lynch, Emayatzy Corinealdi and Mike Doyle also star.
The Movie My Life 