Review of 50/50 (2011) by Jollyg87 — 15 Dec 2011
Hollywood has used cancer as a dramatic crutch for so long. It's still a topic that flourishes in Lifetime movies and Nicolas Sparks stories. But finally, we get a fresh take on it with "50/50;" a movie that miraculously turns the subject of cancer into a hysterical comedy.
Now that's not to say that cancer is the punchline. There are actually quite a few touching moments where the cancer diagnosis is treated quite seriously. What the movie instead focuses on is the odd friendship between Rogen and Gordon-Levitt.
The two characters complement each other wonderfully. Gordon-Levitt treats his cancer as a death sentence to no longer have fun in life, and Rogen wants him to use his cancer to hook up with beautiful women.
It's this dynamic that leads to "50/50" being one of the best comedies of the year. It made me laugh as hard as "Bridesmaids." Besides its comedic moments, "50/50" also succeeds as a drama and romance.
While some of the dramatic scenes don't hold enough weight, the movie still outshines 90% of cancer dramas. What does carry the movie through to the end is the believable chemistry between Gordon-Levitt and Kendrick.
I think I might be slightly biased due to my huge crush on Anna Kendrick. But the actors seem so natural together that you can't help but root for Gordon-Levitt to make it through alive so he can make beautiful babies with that lovable woman.
This review of 50/50 (2011) was written by Jollyg87 on 15 Dec 2011.
50/50 has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
