Set in the future Upgradeinitially presents itself as a man versus technology movie. Grey Trace (Logan Marshall-Green (IMDb page) of Spider-Man: Homecoming and Prometheus) rebuilds classic muscle cars in a world where is wife Asha (Melanie Vallejo (IMDb page) has one run by a computer. Grey also doesn't have any technology implants, which most people have.After delivering one of his rebuilt classics, the computer in Asha's car malfunctions and they crash in Grey's old, rundown neighborhood. They can walk away from the car, but an ensuing incident leaves him a paraplegic and her dead. The story grows into a tale of vengeance. However, for Grey to get satisfaction against the murders he must accept the implantation of an experimental chip into his body.
Upgradegot my attention in the opening credits. They were vocalized to sound like they were being read by a computerized voice while the graphics played. This change from the expected made me ask the immediate question, "Why?" This presentation sets the movie up as much as, if not more than, the opening scenes.
Writer/director Leigh Whannell (Saw and Insidious (IMDb page)) builds more into the story. As it unfolds twists are introduced to highlight the difference between man and machine along with the expectations of his previous credits. The action scenes of Grey fighting are choreographed to have robotic movement, which is interesting and a little disturbing to watch.
Upgradeis more than a man versus technology story with a dire statement about computers at the end. There is the story of Grey's desire for revenge and how he achieves it. There is another storyline of survival and what a person would be willing to do to live. It is about just being able to live, and having a life we could live with. The multiple themes are woven together and provide additional depth to the story that left me thinking after the final credits played out.
Upgradeis from Blumhouse Productions and Goalpost Pictures. It was released in 2018 and runs for 99 minutes.
Upgrade(IMDb page)
If you have a comment, suggestion, or critique please leave a comment here or send an email to guildmastergaming@gmail.com.
