50/50 Review

This Film is brought to us by Seth Rogen and his friend, Will Reiser; starring Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt , Anna Kendrick, and Bryce Dallas Howard. 50/50 is set in modern day Seattle and  can only be described as a light hearted Comedy about, yes… Cancer.

50/50 is a refreshing comedy (with a dash of drama) in today’s mundane stream of movies featuring unfunny comedic dialogue and ridiculous situational humor. 50/50 takes us through the life of Adam (Joesph Gordon-Levitt), a 27 year old writer of radio programs who is diagnosed with cancer and confides in his friend , girlfriend, and young therapist. Adam experiences something he never thought could happen to a person like him when he is diagnosed with spinal cancer and his life begins to unfold as he attempts to cope with possible death. Adam is accompanied by Kyle (Seth Rogen) his supportive best friend who acts as a comedic anchor to the dramatics and at times lends  a very helpful hand to a confused Adam as he deals with his ever changing life.

The acting in this movie was one of its best qualities. Joseph Gordon-Levitt played a somber and funny character very well. Seth Rogen did an amazing job of walking the line of comedy and seriousness which he tends to step over in most of his movies. Anna Kendrick plays an adorably neurotic medical student who attempts to coach Adam through his illness. The lovely and beautiful Bryce Dallas Howard plays a very solemn and secretive girlfriend who we can’t help but develop a love-hate relationship with during the movie.

Another thing I have to say about this movie is the Director of Photography did an amazing job of displaying the action of the movie. The images did a great job of telling the story and the interaction between the actors was caught brilliantly and I definitely plan to buy this on Blu-ray to experience the beautiful movie I enjoyed in a theater.

On a more personal note I would like to address the fact that this movie captured and made me relive my own fear I experienced as a child before going under the knife. I was around 9 years old when I was told that my heart was messed up and that I would require open-heart surgery to make it to adulthood. The moment I will never forget was when I was taken to the holding area of the hospital where they administer the “pass out” drugs and my father was  nearly in tears as he told me I would be okay and they fed me the disgusting narcotic. The Scene in 50/50 where Adam experiences this almost identical experience sold me on getting the Bluray. Thanks you very much Will Reiser  and Seth Rogen.

I was very surprised by the content of the story and astonished by how well Seth Rogen maintained his comedic presence and respect for the serious issue of cancer. I highly recommend you go in with a serious mindset and enjoy the movie magic that is 50/50. Kudos to Seth Rogen for his part in this amazing movie that I would appoint as best Comedy in the Oscars.