What Goes Up

About

"What Goes Up" is a genre-bending platformer that defies gravity, allowing players to ascend without the risk of falling. Winner of GMTK Jam 2018, the game features innovative mechanics such as grappling hook controls and a unique level design that challenges players to think vertically. With a limited number of restarts and the option to skip levels, this game is both accessible and engaging for players of all skill levels.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

94%

Audience ScoreBased on 27 reviews

humor6 positive mentions

The film features strong performances from the cast, particularly Steve Coogan, Olivia Thirlby, and Hilary Duff, who bring depth to their flawed characters.
It presents a unique and realistic portrayal of life, capturing the complexities of human emotions and relationships in a way that feels genuine.
The movie's unconventional narrative and humor resonate with viewers who appreciate films that challenge traditional storytelling.

The plot can be confusing and lacks clarity, making it difficult for some viewers to fully engage with the story.
Character development is inconsistent, with some characters feeling one-dimensional and underexplored.
The film's pacing is slow, leading to moments where it feels drawn out and lacking in direction.

story
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
14%
43%
The story has received mixed reviews, with some praising its exploration of heroism and human behavior, while others find it confusing and weak, particularly criticizing the plot's coherence and reliance on unconventional storytelling. Overall, the narrative challenges traditional Hollywood formulas but may leave some viewers feeling lost.
- “I think the writers did a fine job with this story and the concept of what makes a hero or maybe whether all of our heroes really aren't heroic after all.”
- “It plays its own game according to the rules which govern human behavior, not conventional plot points.”
- “They perceive the schizophrenic plot as a challenge to the normal Hollywood formulas.”
- “I didn't understand the story that well.”
- “The plot about a reporter whose life is on the skids, and goes to visit New Hampshire only to find more disasters waiting for him at the school he's visiting, is very weak.”
- “This is a great movie; the plot is very different yet confusing.”
humor
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the film is described as a subtle buildup that enhances character investment, with some standout moments, particularly involving the character Peggy and her interactions with Fenster. However, opinions are divided; while some find the humor to be a blend of relatable and absurd situations, others feel the film fails to deliver consistent laughs, leading to a mixed reception regarding its comedic effectiveness.
- “It's not one particular event that hooks you, just a buildup where you start to care about the fate of the characters, and a smattering of humor to help it along.”
- “One of the most humorous moments I've ever seen in a film occurred with Sarah Lind's character Peggy when she is dropped into a very compromising situation thanks to the half-witted but forgivable character Fenster (played by Max Hoffman, aka Woody Focker in Meet the Fockers).”
- “But soon, I realized the filmmakers were creating a world that resembled reality far more than almost any movie I've seen in that there are collisions between events, intentions, characters, loves, hates... and the whole stew can be hysterically funny, odd, disturbing, heartbreaking, and then funny all over again.”
optimization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
The optimization of the film is highlighted by outstanding performances from the cast, particularly Steve Coogan and Olivia Thirlby, which enhance the overall experience despite the director's heavy thematic focus on hero mythology. The raw and vital energy of the actors contributes significantly to the film's appeal.
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the film is characterized by its authentic portrayal of complex human experiences, blending humor with heartbreak and showcasing the chaotic interplay of relationships among a group of flawed characters. It effectively captures the insular nature of their emotional worlds, making the audience feel both the absurdity and depth of their struggles.
- “But soon, I realized the filmmakers were creating a world that resembled reality far more than almost any movie I've seen, in that there are collisions between events, intentions, characters, loves, hates... and the whole stew can be hysterically funny, odd, disturbing, heartbreaking, and then funny all over again.”
- “It brilliantly captures the insular wisdom and solipsistic cliquishness of a group of believably damaged outsiders who haven't the faintest clue of life on earth beyond the 'truth' of their own emotional landscapes.”