Up There (2019) User Reviews

People Who Judge Based On The 10/10 Ratings Should Actually Watch The Movie.

[bob_james9397 · 6/10 · 16 November 2019]

6/10 Definitely worth your time!! This movie has a great story with great actors and will keep your interest. I love the small town setting with the woodsy mountainous back drops. The cinematography definitely shines in this area. It took me back to when I used to visit my grandparents. One major critique though. The opening scene where "Jack" walks into the retail store and is forced to trade his jacket for a phone charger from the over the top "I don't give a crap millennial" character, made absolutely no since and almost forced me to ditch right then and there, but I'm glad I didn't. The stunningly beautiful and talented actress Claudia Doumit who played the part of "Tina", I believe, was completely miscast. The throwback 90's grunge toboggan wearing "Clerks" type character just didn't fit in any way. Sorry :(...

Great story ruined by ending.

[andrewbernardmercy · 6/10 · 14 December 2019]

The story was fresh and unique, but the ending provoked more questions than answers and not in a "use your imagination" type way. The movie explores several story lines that ended up being unnecessary because of how sudden it ended.

Hard to sit through

[bs-33435 · 2/10 · 28 November 2019]

This film has a few redeeming qualities, the female lead has pretty eyes, and she shows some acting chops with (probably) confusing direction (as she and everyone else in this film are all over the place with motivations and dialogue). There's decent cinematography, but the "UP" tag was disappointing to someone who's been to the area many times, as the specific location plays almost no part in the film, it could've been anywhere in the Midwest. The male lead is just an absolute tool and needs some serious help from a dialogue coach. The "tool" aspect is intentional for the character, I know, but he's just unpleasant to watch. The largest glaring flaw with the film, however, is just a complete lack of tension. Sure, the male lead has a comedically over-the-top "bad" boss who throws out vague threats, and the protagonist has a menacing, overprotective brother, but any attempts to build real tension and drama falls flat, because of the absolutely inane dialogue. Truly, the screenwriter must've been an alien who observed humans for 6 months, and then was told to write a film in "human talk", because this film has to have some of the most unrealistic, "nobody would ever say these" lines, I've ever heard in a film. Oh, and there's an opening sequence at the very start of the film where the male lead is forced to give away a jacket for a phone charger, and it is just a stupidly bad, incredibly unbelievable way to open a film, that serves no real purpose and just makes the film worse in every possible way. It left a bad taste in my mouth and shouted loud and clear "You're watching a movie!!!" five seconds in (way to destroy "suspending disbelief" immediately into the film). Bottom line, skip it until it's free. Oh and all the perfect reviews? Fake. Obviously. You can easily spot them, glowing but less than 1 paragraph long, extremely vague on plot details, same description could fit many different films.

Does it have a raison d'etre ??

[biljao258 · 3/10 · 15 November 2019]

The 10/10 ratings are rather suspicious. The cast and crew presumably had fun making the movie and it's technically sound. The lead players (Zoe Canters and Daniel Weingarten) have some comic ability, but the other actors are very uneven. Canters and the Director push the " quirkiness " of her role to the extreme. The story involves an awkward romance which culminates in some surprise outcomes. There's a bit of local color involving small town characters, but they don't get much of a look-in. Whether there is a raison d'etre for the movie depends on personal taste.

Nice setting poor writing

[rmmil · 3/10 · 30 September 2021]

With low budget indies, it really is all about the writing and the dialogue to carry the film along.

This film is not a good example of either. There was some decent scenery, sure, but even the UP was seriously underused in a film with "UP" in the title, I couldn't really tell it apart from anywhere in the middle USA.

The plot just kind of happens, with low amounts of tension throughout, and there's a really stupid opening scene that screams "amateur hour" that sets the film up in a bad way.

Bleh.

Solid Low budget Indie

[ellenh468 · 7/10 · 16 November 2019]

Has its flaws, but an absolutely wonderful performance from Zoe Kanters makes it worth the watch.

wow

[emjg-24157 · 8/10 · 19 November 2019]

Thoroughly enjoyed the film...loved the characters and the location. It portrayed a deeply mysterious story line which drew you in and made you deeply care for each character. Cudos to each actor especially Zoe Kanters. Thank you for such a wonderful film!

An Indie Gem Worth Your Time!

[jamesmackey-26729 · 10/10 · 29 October 2019]

A compelling story of a reporter's visit to a small mining town in Northern Michigan, U.P. There represents the best of what indie films have to offer. The cast is incredibly talented, the script funny and engaging, and the film is beautifully edited and shot. I won't spoil the journey, but suffice it to say it will take you on a an amazing and, at times, heart wrenching journey through small town america. If you're looking for a film to watch on a rainy Sunday look no further, sit down, and buckle up for an experience you won't soon forget.

May be fiction, but...

[Australian1 · 8/10 · 19 November 2019]

It's possibly a sad reality that many Americans, who lost family or friends to a senseless act, a mass shooting, random... As the line is uttered: "I met this girl and 10 years ago her parents and three best friends were killed in a shooting, right. And then..."

"Why would that interest me? Why do I care about a story that happens every week in America? We've all been shot at. Most people don't know it because they haven't been hit."

I'm an Australian, with family and friends in US and every couple of days I hear of a shooting at a school, a church, a shopping centre, a car park... I am saddened, but it seems to be desensitizing Americans, it's becoming the norm

This movie shows, even if fictitious, what it can do to surviving family... I think it was a good movie, good story, good acting, deserve my 8 stars! And I can understand the 10 star rating by some as it may hit home even more for them! The low rating comes from reviewers who may not "feel" much anymore.....

Heartfelt, elegant filmmaking

[pauthoma · 8/10 · 21 November 2019]

This film tells an authentic, heartfelt story and features bold performances by the three main actors. It is beautifully shot in Michigan's UP, and (as the title suggests), you really do have a feeling while watching the film that you're somewhere else, somewhere remote. As the drama mounts toward the end, there are scenes taking place in long, uncut stationary takes. The emotional momentum is able to really build in these actor-driven scenes, directly connecting you to the movie's emotional core. Thumbs up!

Zoe Kanters Rocks

[jocelynems-41340 · 8/10 · 15 December 2019]

What a fun ride... had me on the edge of my seat almost throughout the whole movie. Zoe's acting ability is superb. The story line is unpredictable and emotion-packed. I found it delightful, and loved seeing my home town on screen. I was sorry to see Jack being such a wimp, which made for a review of 8 instead of 10.... and his boss didn't seem to fit the "editor" role in my view. But those are just two little bumps on the fun ride that this movie provides. I can't wait to see what else Zoe creates!

Sadly sweet.

[christine_osc · 10/10 · 13 November 2019]

It was a very emotional yet sweet movie. I enjoyed watching it. The subject matter was sensitive, yet I think the approach was respectful and thought provoking. the cast I think did a wonderful job at connecting with the subject matter. Overall I say A+ I loved it. definitely going to watch it again.

Heartwarming and heart-wrenching!

[lynagh18 · 8/10 · 12 November 2019]

Heartwarming, funny, feel-good drama. Fell in love with the characters. Connected to me in a lot of ways I wasn't expecting.

Refreshing

[benjkanters · 10/10 · 17 October 2019]

UP There is sweet story, set in a rural small town in the north country. It's a great tale with wonderful acting and beautifully shot. If you're looking for an excellent film with a refreshing lack of flash and bang, this is it.

UP There - Resonates with teens to seniors

[arikanters · 10/10 · 11 October 2019]

Thank the Gods for the return of the Indie! This is not big action, horror or animation. What it is however is heartfelt , emotionally relevant and honors the belief that the human spirit is complicated. This is a relevant look at how we cope with loss of those we love while still carrying on . The film is funny, engaging , beautiful to watch; all wrapped up in saddened undertones. As the story unfolds you can't help but invest in the characters and their performances. This is a coming of age film that anyone from 13 to seniors will enjoy and relate to.

For taking place in Michigan, this movie is so WARM.

[madelinesharton · 10/10 · 24 October 2019]

This movie is so charming. It has so much heart--you laugh, you cry, and you want to go visit the U.P. when it's over.

Takes you on a journey

[ericblaustein · 10/10 · 12 November 2019]

This film takes you on a complex, yet straightforward journey that captures the viewer from the beginning and keeps you involved throughout the movie. The script is crisp.....the characters are extremely interesting......the actors are engaging......and the direction brings it all together! The movie was fun to watch yet, at the same time, was thought provoking and emotionally enticing! See this movie....you will not be disappointed!

Up There

[marynovak-45256 · 10/10 · 11 October 2019]

The pacing of this film gives you time to settle in and grasp the the in-depth character development, this is not a film to check your social media while watching. The dialogue and storyline, both of which are nuanced, require attention . There is a lot brewing beneath the surface and like most good movies, twists, turns, and a certain level of ambiguity. These are characters with depth and conflict , each struggling with their own narrative. The balance is felt in the humor, and there were several parts of the movie I laughed out loud. The actors performances carry this film. I really enjoyed it!

Authentic, refreshingly genuine, utterly charming!

[jrneumark · 10/10 · 25 October 2019]

This film took me on a journey, like reading a great book! The characters were so fully dimensional, authentic and beautifully flawed - I felt like I lost new friends when the movie ended. My quick attachment to the characters allowed me to truly experience the story as it unfolded, like I was a part of it, not just watching from the outside. The performances by the trio of characters had me laughing at times and emotionally moved at others. Definitely refreshing - in both story and performances. Go see it!!

immersive

[tiyekinlow · 10/10 · 11 October 2019]

My favorite part about this movie is the way it drops you into a whole new world- in this case "the dying town." getting to know the main characters was like peeling layers of an onion, and i like onions! if you want a quirky, heart felt, funny, AND sad movie about a place you usually don't get to see- this is for you!

A beautiful film worth the watch!

[flahertyfelicia · 8/10 · 22 November 2019]

I am so in love with the story and characters in this film! This is what indie film dreams are made of. It's was as refreshing as the crisp Michigan air.

Wow....just....wow

[erin-93743 · 10/10 · 15 November 2019]

This is why I love Indie films. You can actually feel these characters and their emotions. You cried with them. You cheered for them. You laughed with them. Perfect charming location. Just a job really well done.

Up There

[dcapifali · 10/10 · 19 November 2019]

Absolutely loved the movie. All cast members were great. Loved loved loved. Truly enjoyed and would love to see more of all cast members. Zoe had me in tears. Congratulations!!!!!

A very enjoyable movie but, it leaves you with questions.

[johnanthonymazzei · 8/10 · 16 November 2020]

A movie written, directed, produced by and staring the lead actors is usually an I love me fest. This one is not. I do agree with many of the other reviewers about the 10/10 reviews. They tout Zoe Kanters performance and glorify Indie Films to a religious level.

The character Emma was over the top, like Pippi Longstocking on meth. An emotionally stunted woman-child. Yet, there are two scenes that contradict this. She appeared a novice at bowling when she and Jack played. As they are leaving there is a photo of her when she scored 290, 300 being a perfect score. Also at the end of the movie when she drove to Milwaukee to deliver Jack's story to his editor. Jack had earlier showed her how to drive in Champ's truck. Where did she get the car she drove ? These scenes made me think she was playing at being naive while actually being the puppet master of all involved.

Jack started and ended this movie being clueless. The fish out of water theme was wasted because he never changed. Champ was more developed as a character than jack. Champ started out as a back woods, sociopathic, redneck who was just a concerned, empathetic brother trying to cope with an unfamiliar situation.

I liked the subtle way the movie showed the UP residents are more closely tied to Wisconsin than Michigan. As well as small town people don't care for strangers. Didn't care for the clerk ransoming the charger. Although this is the reality in retail today.

This is a wonderful movie. Watch it, you won't regret!

[mrddtt · 8/10 · 23 July 2020]

Zoe is fantastic, the story is great. What these three guys put together is really really remarkable. A lovely movie. We will hear from all of them again for sure. A really lovely, nice, funny, touching, deep movie. And on top of it all, Zoe acting is superb, and she is lovely and gorgeous. Hard not to fall in love with a girl like Emma!