50/50

Inspired by a true story, a comedy centered on a 27-year-old guy who learns of his cancer diagnosis, and his subsequent struggle to beat the disease.

Director:

Jonathan Levine

Writer:

Will Reiser

Stars:

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen and Anna Kendrick

Friendship is succinctly heartwarming. More so, it’s a divine blessing that enriches our soul. A staunch buddy is one whom we can let our hair down and be ourselves – no pretensions. We can wail and wallow in our sorrows without being accused of being self-piteous. True friends allow you to unload your emotional and spiritual baggage, to let these flow unashamedly, and you don’t need to hold anything back. Friends make us feel loved, respected and that we are not alone in this chaotic globe.

This is definitely one of the very few films of 2011 that has a luminously written screenplay. Unlike any dramatic and moving cancer movies, 50/50 takes a very different approach by being utterly comical with an attempt of inspirational cancer victims to stay positive. The film's portrayal of the psychological stages of Adam, from knowing to comprehension with the volcano theory as the metaphor, is convincingly honest and not cheesy at all. The acting performance of the cast is also quite impressive.

Approaching death isn’t a typical theme for comedies, but it works as the plot tool here thanks to a smart, funny and honest script by Will Reiser. It finds laughs through the characters and situations, but it never forgets the core truth that this is a story about a young man potentially facing the end of his life. The story lets Adam and the audiences experience the nuisance and anger as well as the joy and absurdity. Director Jonathan Levine trusts both the script and the actors, and together they ensure the film never crosses into melodrama or movie of the week territory.

The heart of the film can be found in both the character of Adam and the performance of Gordon-Levitt. Adam is a nice guy dealt a bad hand, and Gordon-Levitt immediately makes us comfortable around him and concerned for him simultaneously. He’s capable of expressing a lot with a little, and while he often uses his facial skills for eyebrow arching comedy, films like this and (500) Days of Summer have proven him skilled at earning an emotional response through subtle looks and gestures. Adam’s mental road trip through the stages of grief is often heartbreaking and hilarious, and Gordon-Levitt sells it all wonderfully.

verdict : 5 stars (must watch movie)