Review of 50/50 (2011) by Ruben T — 26 Jan 2013

This would have to be one of my favourite 'simple' films in the sense that it conveys a great message, provided laughter and tears, all the actors felt relatable and the overall story plays out almost perfectly; apart from the standard up-beat Hollywood ending.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Inception, [500] Days of Summer) stars in the role of Adam, a 20-something year old soft-spoken producer at a radio station who discovers he has Schwannoma Neurofibrosarcom, or simply-put: Cancer. Adam is the kind of guy to get up at 6am in the morning to go for a run, and still stop at a red light when there are no cars in sight. He goes throughout the film jumping the hurdles with a surprised easiness and contemptuous. Gordon Levitt pulls in the personality exceptionally and gives the film a witty feel, an honest touch.

Adam has to not only deal with his own emotions, but the emotions of his best friend Kyle (Seth Rogen) who loves to party and thoroughly enjoys the presence of women. Seth Rogen deserves high praise for this part, for I struggled to find any faults in 3 watches of this film. He was absolutely hilarious and could become the part because the writer of 50/50 (Will Reiser) actually went through having cancer with Seth Rogen by his side. Seth Rogen's usual character of a sexist, loafing and pothead nature had a touch of humanity added to him in 50/50.

Along the way Adam has some troubles with his girlfriend; Rachael (Bryce Dallas Howard) and some assistance from his therapist Katherine (Anna Kendrick). Both actresses played their parts exceptionally well, however I felt that the film placed women on the evil side and therefore really made it a 'women are bad' kind of film. This isn't a negative thing because it allowed the story to delve more into the men and the main characters perspective of everything.

Finally, the director Jonathan Levine (One I had never heard of prior to 50/50) was a surprise. Levine brought the whole film together and managed to have transitions between the glum and gloomy scenes to the scenes full of amusement. The film relied heavily on various tones and Levine did not lack with the execution of said tones, furthermore he managed to coax brilliant performances out of all the actors/actresses.

It always feels great to be surprised by a films quality and depth; 50/50 is harsh but still maintains an overall positivity but not one of rainbows and sunshine. On the top layer of the film it is a comedy and should be noted as a comedy, but as you look more and more into the subtleties of the film it becomes a lot more than a comedy, it is made into an excellent piece that is pleasant to watch and comes along with a touching experience. Great film overall, I would definitely recommend it.