50/50

 

I was expecting good things. It was the actors involved in the making of this film that had me interested.  And I'm proud to say I'm still a loyal fan of Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and even Anna Kendrick.

50/50 is about a 27 year old who discovers he has cancer.  We follow him along this journey of survival with a comedic backdrop that makes everything seem a little bit brighter.

Let me first just say, this film is based on a true story and a real man named Adam.  Off the bat, it's relatable to everyone.  Everyone knows of someone who has or had cancer.  Right away, your hooked in. Now your thinking, I hope they don't make this a tearjerker.  It's not about that.  This film doesn't spend its time sugar coating or dramatizing anything for you.  It's simply trying to tell a story about one man and what he went through. So now that that's clear, we can move on.        

With a technical point of view, I really enjoyed the way the film was shot.  Some scenes were made interesting by the way they were cut up, and the movement of time in the film was also subtle and well done.  I never felt like they were trying to rush through years or months, but only hinting at the fact that time has passed and it doesn't really matter how much.  I enjoyed the soundtrack of the film because it was placed in appropriate places, only adding to the scenes rather than distracting us from them.  

And now for some lighter points.  Seth Rogen was hilarious.  His humour was so natural and authentic.  There were no punchlines or set-ups.  It was just day to day comedy that was like breathing to him.  As for Joseph Gordon-Levitt, his acting is all about subtlety and maintaining a calm surface.  That way, there's nothing to distract you from what is being said.  And when he does give you a reaction or expression, it is that much more distinct.  I also want to point out Anjelica Huston who played Adam's mother in the film.  It really shows you what great acting can do, when there is a character that isn't even shown in half of the movie, yet they stand out to the audience as if they were one of the main characters.  That is exactly what she did for me in this film.  She showed a funny side of herself that not many people get to see, and I'm so grateful she did.  It was definitely a treat.   
I just want to add a large thumbs up to Will Reiser, the writer.  The writing was extremely funny and unique.  We don't get genuine comedy like that these days, so it was more than nice to see.  The acting and the writing are what made this film and no one could have done it better than the actors chosen.

Finally, this film plays out much like its title.  It is half a comedy and half a tragedy - 50/50.  Having said that, I give this film 8.5/10 for staying true to its title.