A comedic look at the relationship between a wealthy man with quadriplegia and an unemployed man with a criminal record who’s hired to help him.
Upon entering the movie theater to see this film, there was a line outside for blocks. The energy in the building was filled with so much excitement and anticipation that I had no idea what to expect. I have to say, this movie was funny and emotional yet done in a lighthearted way. And considering the theme, it could have gone in the direction of over dramatic with a bunch of bad jokes; I’m glad it didn’t.
Dell (Kevin Hart) is required by his parole officer to not only seek employment but to get a signature from each manager proving that he actually attended. He interviews with many companies with the purpose of only getting that signature. When he arrives at the home of a wealthy quadriplegic named Phillip (Brian Cranston) for what he believes is a janitorial position, he doesn’t know what he is getting himself into.
Philip’s assistant Yvonne (Nicole Kidman), is not impressed by Dell’s forthright, tactless demeanor and doesn’t feel he is qualified for the position. She and Dell are both astounded that out of hundreds of candidates, he is the one Philip chooses. Dell decides to take the position after realizing that the sizable pay can help him finally provide for his estranged son Anthony (Jahi Di’Allo Winston) and his mom Latrice (Aja Naomi King). Also, it will offer him a place to live, which he doesn’t currently have.
The fact that these two personalities become friends is funny in itself. Dell is an ex-con just looking to get by. Philip is rich, serious, and completely out of touch. Over time, Dell is able to loosen Philip up by taking him out for long drives, introducing him to his favorite music and eventually getting him to go out on a date. Philip also has quite a bit influence on Dell by exposing him to art and opera, which he seems to take a liking to. As well as convincing him to think about doing something with his life that he is passionate about.
I love the different relationship dynamics in this film and how they slowly transform each other. Dell and Philip begin to trust each other more and become more transparent about their lives. Through Philip, Dell begins to look at his life more seriously and starts being more responsible. Philip opens up his heart to a possible relationship with a woman named Lily (Juliana Margulies) he only knows through writing letters. I actually was impressed at the realness and vulnerability of the scene in which they finally meet at a restaurant and she realizes that being with someone in his position was more than she can handle.
I really loved Yvonne and Philip’s connection. You can see there was a little more than a professional relationship beneath the surface but there was also deep loyalty and respect that had developed over many years between them that kept them from taking it any further. She was his right-hand woman that he trusted more than anyone but it seemed to be unspoken but understood.
You can expect a lot of jokes because of course, it is Kevin Hart! I promise you, the comedic timing is great; there was not one quiet person in the theater during the funny moments. I thought the serious scenes were done perfectly and honestly. The story worked for me, it stayed on the light side which I really appreciated because it could have easily slipped into one of those pity moments but it never did. I really enjoyed the cast, I felt they had amazing chemistry and by the end of the film you find out all of the events that led up to Philip’s current situation and we also see Dell become a different man. I loved this film and I was completely entertained, from beginning to end.
In theaters Friday, January 11th
