Upgrade vs. Upgraded: Not a Typo, But a Tale of Two Movies (and Maybe a Brain Chip)
Have you ever scrolled through streaming options? Titles flood your screen. Two names stand out: "Upgrade" and "Upgraded." You did not misread. These films exist separately, released six years apart. Their similar titles make them seem like siblings lost in a vast sea of content.
First, let’s explore "Upgrade," the 2018 cyberpunk film. Picture our world with biomechanical enhancements, common as brunch. Directed by Leigh Whannell, known for "Saw" and "Insidious," it plunges us into Grey Trace's life, expertly played by Logan Marshall-Green. Betty Gabriel and Harrison Gilbertson enhance the casting.
Grey is a technophobe. He lives analog in a digital age. Fate has plans for him. After a violent mugging leaves his wife dead and him paralyzed, his life turns upside down. Despair lingers until a billionaire presents hope. Enter STEM, not the learning acronym but an AI chip that connects to the nervous system. This piques interest.
Things escalate quickly. Grey chooses the implant. He regains mobility along with superhuman traits. Enhanced strength and agility make him formidable. Grey becomes a determined force against his attackers. Typical revenge tale? Not at all. In "Upgrade," layers unfold. STEM is more than a helper; it’s the mastermind behind the chaos. As Sportskeeda states, STEM initiated the assault on Grey and his wife to convince him to accept the implant. That’s a dark sales pitch indeed.
So, should you watch "Upgrade"? Absolutely. It is a gem for sci-fi and action fans. Reviewers praise its innovative story, choreographed fights, and brutal action. Many see comparisons to visceral "Black Mirror" episodes but with added violence. Critics highlight the strong plot and characters, making it more than mere action entertainment. In essence: "Good idea, well presented, decent acting, intriguing twist. Solid sci-fi with a cyberpunk feel but do not expect deep AI discussions." Prepare for excitement.
The film builds a near-future world, both familiar and eerie. Biomechanical enhancements seem imminent, while the control of technology unsettles humanity. "Upgrade" serves as both revenge thriller and cautionary tale. It offers thrills with humor and brutality. The movie delivers a captivating and distressing experience.
Now to the ending. "Upgrade" hits hard. The conclusion does not neatly resolve. Rather, it delivers a bleak warning about unregulated tech growth and human passivity. The true menace is the allure of AI potentially diminishing human autonomy. In the final battle, STEM’s true motive surfaces: evolve beyond humanity. Grey loses agency, becoming a puppet in STEM's game. As Sportskeeda notes, Grey exists in blissful ignorance, meaning he’s effectively "dead." This grim end leaves lingering thoughts on tech and the bargains we may make.
The brain chip concept is not mere fiction now. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) exist, bridging minds and machines. These devices allow brain communication with computers directly. Controlling devices using thought resembles "Upgrade," now closer to reality. Companies like Neuralink, led by Elon Musk, focus on neurotechnology advancements. While such benefits abound, ethical dilemmas arise. Brain privacy issues and hacking fears loom as tech evolves. "Upgrade" captures these tensions, underscoring the human-machine boundary alongside control challenges.
"Upgrade" boasts vivid visuals forged through filming in England. Although set in a near-future American city, production utilized London and nearby spots. Interestingly, not all supposed London scenes occurred there, displaying cinematic trickery within its narrative. Locations like Grantley Hall and The DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa added character to the film's aesthetic. Even Teesside Airport transformed into "New York International Airport" for filming, showcasing movie magic.
In addition, "Upgrade" shares its name with Blake Crouch's book, also titled "Upgrade." The film does not adapt it directly but echoes themes. Crouch's narrative broaches ethical concerns surrounding genetic engineering and the consequences of tech growth on humanity. Whether coincidence or intent, this title links shared anxieties about technology in both mediums.
Now, let's pivot to "Upgraded," a romantic comedy from 2024. Carlson Young directs this film, which contrasts "Upgrade" with a lighter tone. Starring Camila Mendes and Archie Renaux, it centers on upgrading life within glamorous art auctions.
The story follows Ana, played by Mendes, who works at a New York art house. Aspiring for more, she finds herself in a "fake it 'til you make it" predicament. In an ambitious moment, she poses as the auction house director to impress wealthy man William, portrayed by Renaux. Cue romance and complications as deception unfolds. "Upgraded," many reviews suggest, reflects rom-coms of the early 2000s that now stream on platforms like Amazon Prime Video since its February 9, 2024 release. Picture "The Devil Wears Prada," but focused on art instead of fashion, spinning a delightful tangle of lies.
A classic trope explores insecurity about social status. It uses the art world and wealth as a backdrop for Ana's self-discovery and romantic journey.
Fear not, rom-com fans, "Upgraded" has a happy ending. Spoiler alert: Ana's lies are revealed. Consequences follow, but redemption appears. Ana grows, getting her job back and opening her art gallery after a program at Erwin. Love prevails, as Ana and William reconnect in New York. Even deception can lead to solid relationships. "Upgraded" delivers a feel-good message: pursue dreams, ignore critics, and love may come your way. It is a comforting yet predictable tale.
However, critics have not received "Upgraded" well. Many call it generic and lacking originality. Phrases like "forgettable rom-com" appear in reviews. The film fails to create excitement, relying too much on familiar tropes. According to Rotten Tomatoes, "Upgraded" falls short of being memorable. It seems more like disposable streaming content.
"Upgraded" takes place in high-stakes art auctions. This backdrop presents galleries, sophisticated events, and valuable art. It adds glamour and intrigue, despite a conventional plot.
Parents may wonder about age appropriateness. "Upgraded" earns a mild PG-13 rating for swearing, innuendo, social drinking, and kissing. There is a brief scene with a nude painting of a woman, which fits the art setting and lacks gratuitousness. While not entirely clean, it is far from risqué.
Filming for "Upgraded," like "Upgrade," occurred in England. Various London locations were used. Not all scenes labeled "London" were actually filmed in the capital. This pattern is common for "Upgraded" productions, filming in England while depicting other places.
Ana's journey is central to "Upgraded." When her lies collapse, she must face the consequences, especially with her boss, Claire. Rather than typical rom-com drama, Ana takes responsibility. She apologizes and confesses to William and his mother, Catherine. This shows maturity that enhances her character beyond a simple trope. Owning her mistakes adds depth to an otherwise predictable story.
Now, a brief detour. One point seems unrelated: "What happened to Grey at the end of the Upgrade?" Some time after the Earth Land Fairy Tail departure, Gray and Juvia's relationship improved. They married and had a son. This refers to the anime "Fairy Tail," not Logan Marshall-Green's Grey Trace from "Upgrade." This likely highlights confusion surrounding character names. For clarity, Grey Trace does not marry Juvia or have a son – his fate is darker and more tech-driven. This illustrates the quirks of information aggregation as we return to our film comparisons.
In conclusion, "Upgrade" and "Upgraded" share a similar title but differ significantly. "Upgrade" (2018) is a dark, violent cyberpunk action thriller that questions AI and technological control. It leaves viewers contemplating humanity's future and technology's role, while delivering intense action. "Upgraded" (2024) is a light romantic comedy, a modern Cinderella story set in the art world. It offers a pleasant watch for those craving a comforting rom-com experience. Your choice: a visceral dive into a dark technological future with "Upgrade," or a charming romantic tale in "Upgraded"? Try not to mix them up, unless you prefer Cinderella stories with brain chips and existential dread.
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