Upgraded: A Formulaic Rom-Com with a Glimpse of Passion

While Ana’s character drives the film forward, the rest of the characters lack inventiveness. For instance, the first two assistants of Ana’s boss, Claire (played by Marisa Tomei), feel like replicas of characters we have seen in countless other stories. They exist solely to make Ana’s life more difficult, and their contribution to the plot feels uninspired. This discrepancy in character development raises questions about the film’s identity as a romantic comedy and sidelines William’s character without reason.

Exploring Gender Dynamics: A Formulaic Approach

Despite its flaws, Upgraded does manage to touch upon the politics of camaraderie among women. It highlights the significance of success when women achieve it in a male-dominated world. This subtle exploration of gender dynamics could have elevated the film had it not been presented in such a formulaic manner. The central focus of the story lies in Ana’s love for her profession, yet romantic comedies often force the lead characters to fall in love. Shouldn’t love find its way naturally rather than being forced into the narrative? It is this aspect that deserves an upgrade the most.

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity for Originality

In conclusion, Upgraded falls into the trap of following a formulaic approach to romantic comedies. While it may not bring anything new to the genre, it still manages to maintain a sense of passion and offers some familiar delights. With a more original plot and deeper exploration of its themes, Upgraded could have been a refreshing addition to the rom-com genre.