Upgrade was one of the better surprise sci-fi movies of 2018 and although I can’t rank it up there with the sometimes equally disturbing, and cautionary, Ex Machina, I still enjoyed the hell out of it and by Logan Marshall-Green’s performance.
Upgrade
(2018)
Genre(s): Science Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Horror
Universal | R – 100 min. – $34.98 | August 28, 2018
Date Published: 08/30/2018 | Author: The Movieman
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Universal Pictures Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of the Blu-ray I reviewed in this Blog Post.
The opinions I share are my own.
THE MOVIE — 4.0/5 |
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Ex Machina was released three years ago and took science fiction to the next level with its tense storytelling and absolutely dark ending. It was also a bit of a cautionary tale on the advancement of technology. Uprade is pretty similar, though this movie has a bit more of a B-movie quality compared to Ex Machina, and not nearly as finely directed, but nevertheless is unnerving at the same time. The story centers on blue collar worker Grey (LOGAN MARSHALL-GREEN) whose wife is murdered and he permanently paralyzed from the neck down. Just as hope for life had dwindled, Grey receives an offer from billionaire inventor Eron Keen (HARRISON GILBERTSON) where Grey would have a device, called STEM, surgically implanted that will give him back his mobility. The only stipulation is that he must sign an NDA and nobody can know.
Unbeknownst to Grey, however, there is a voice inside his head. STEM is able to utilize Grey’s body, only with his permission, to enhance visuals and even kick ass. At first he’s disconcerted with the voice, but soon works with it when viewing drone security footage of his attack and his wife’s murder, garnering clues to the identities and goes out on his own to investigate with police detective Cortez (BETTY GABRIEL) on the case seemingly unable to make progress. Soon enough, Grey does get in over his head and relies on STEM, leading to plenty of bloodshed and murders which places him in Cortez’s sights and even STEM’s creator becomes a wrench in the investigation, able to shut STEM down, which would leave Grey paralyzed once again, and at an inopportune time.
I actually really enjoyed Upgrade. I don’t think it’s as clever or uncomfortably foreboding compared to Ex Machina and of course lacks the performances, but Logan Marshall-Green acquits himself really well and combined with Leigh Whannell’s direction, makes for a thrilling experience with some well shot fight scenes, surprisingly since Whannell’s only other feature film directing credit was Insidious: Chapter 3. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 0/5 |
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This release comes with a glossy, title-embossed, slip cover; inside is a redemption code for the Digital HD copy. No features were included. |
VIDEO – 4.5/5 |
| Universal Pictures releases Upgrade onto Blu-ray, presented in its original 2.39 widescreen aspect ratio and a 1080p high-definition transfer. The picture does look great in HD, detail is sharp and well defined throughout and colors, despite a darker premise, do have some decent pop to them, especially the reds during the final scene. |
AUDIO – 4.5/5 |
| The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is deceptively strong at times, while also providing clear dialogue levels mainly through the center channel, the surrounds get a workout for both ambient noises but the various action/fight sequences and Jed Palmer’s oft hypnotic and haunting score. |
OVERALL – 3.5/5 |
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Overall, Upgrade was one of the better surprise sci-fi movies of 2018 and although I can’t rank it up there with the sometimes equally disturbing, and cautionary, Ex Machina, I still enjoyed the hell out of it and by Logan Marshall-Green’s performance. The Blu-ray release has great video/audio transfers but unfortunately no bonus material. |
Check out some more 1080p screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.