CineTV CONTEST : UPGRADED (2024)
Upgraded is a captivating movie that shows us the true value of honesty, integrity,forgiveness and love. This movie is one good Romcom I haven't seen in ages. I watched this movie last year, on a weekend. I had been under a lot of stress that week and was looking for a sweet movie to just cool off with and relax. And I came across this movie in my movie box. I must say, it is indeed a great one. Camila Mendes as Anna, really owned the show. Her journey throughout the movie and how she upgraded from just an ambitious intern to owning her own art gallery and finding true love at the end is remarkable. Although some lines were crossed, a lot of mistakes were made but how she owned up to them added more depth to her character.
PLOT
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This movie centers around Anna Santos, a certain young intern who works at an art auction house in New York. She lives in her sister's and boyfriend's crappy apartment. However, she is ambitious and a daydreamer, with big dreams for her life. How far can those dreams take her? An opportunity presents itself, and eventually she gets a slight promotion and a flight upgrade from the economical class to a first class ticket to London. She meets Williams, where she accidentally spills a drink on his shirt. They end up seated next to each other during the plane ride. What becomes a coincidence, slowly advances into something more, perhaps curiosity, attraction, or a web of lies and social climbing.
PERFORMANCE AND CHARACTERS
As I have already said, Camila Mendes as Anna Santos was superb. Also, the other supporting characters like Marisa Tomei, Lena Olin, and Anthony Head were as equally amazing as the lead character. They all contributed to adding a solid foundation and depth to the movie.
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Marisa Tomei especially, as Claire Dupont, is one unforgettable character in this movie. She completely aced her part, acting as a tough boss who rules her company with somewhat of an iron fist and has zero tolerance for any incompetency.
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There also is Lena Olin, her eccentric personality while she acted as Catherine, William's mother was beautiful, quite different from the son’s behaviour. She gives off this loose classy vibe and the way she instantly clicks off with Anna is awesome.
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And lest I forget to mention, Archie Renaux. The perfect young, charming gentleman, who falls in love with Anna, believing her to be the boss of an art gallery. He plays his role incredible well, acting all handsome, polished and head over heels for Anna.
THEME AND TONE.
While Upgraded is a romantic sweet movie, mixed with a touch of comedy in it. The lessons to be learnt are really ones to think about. At what cost, does it really take in upgrading your life? Is it really okay to step on people? or lie your way to the top? What are the consequences for your actions? This movie shows it all. It displays Anna's tremendous journey from rock bottom, crossing limes, getting people hurt, to arriving at the top where she eventually owns up to her mistake, makes amends and finally owns her own art gallery. The themes of forgiveness, accountability, integrity and honesty is really one to learn.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE MOVIE
I must applaud the visuals and setting used as it perfectly compliments the plot. The chic London setting, first class lounge and the sleek art scenes and galleries all comes together to make the movie feel more relatable.
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While I believe the chemistry between Anna and Williams is one of the strength to this movie. They nailed it, creating and showing the audience that spark and connection that makes it even more real and exciting. However, I feel, some part of the movies could have been done better like how some of the characters gets away without any consequences.
Take for instance, Anna. She eventually gets it all and no serious consequences, or loss is attached to it. If you ask me it's quite unbelievable, relating it to real life situations. But the. Again its a movie after all. Rating this movie would be a 9/10.
It is not only romantic and comedic, but also sweet and inspirational. I enjoyed watching it and if your looking for a really sweet movie to take your mind off the bitterness of this world then you just should try Upgraded.
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