Review of 50/50 (2011) by Juan Paolo C — 30 Dec 2012

Directed by Jonathan Levine (All the Boys Love Mandy Lane (2006) and The Wackness (2008)) and written by Will Reiser, who based this film on his own battle with cancer. With a subject like that, this is a film which could have been depressing, but it happens to have a wonderfully witty and naughty script with some good performances.

It has got moments of sadness, but there's always a laugh not far away. In Seattle, radio journalist Adam Lerner (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) lives with girlfriend Rachael (Bryce Dallas Howard), who is an aspiring artist, and Adam hangs out with his best friend and co-worker Kyle (Seth Rogen).

However, Adam's life is dealt an appalling blow when he's told he has schwannoma neurofibrosarcoma, a malignant tumour in his spine, and he must undergo chemotherapy to remove it. The chances are 50/50, Adam confides in Rachael to take care of Adam as he battles it, but she finds it difficult and she won't go into the hospital with him.

So Adam turns to Kyle to be his rock, and he also finds solace in therapist Katherine McKay (Anna Kendrick). It's a witty and well made independent film with some funny dialogue and good observations.

It shows that films which deal with cancer don't have to be depressing, you can go about it with a smile. Gordon-Levitt and Rogen make a good team, and it has good support from Anjelica Huston, Matt Frewer and Philip Baker Hall.