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50/50 is the film's title for a very specific reason, although, in consideration of another completely favorable reason, I'd say "100/100" - one-hundred out of one-hundred - as in "this film is amazing" for its story. I was a bit apprehensive about viewing this at first as I am not a huge fan of Seth Rogen (Kyle) and usually shy away from his films, but this one, also starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Adam) certainly gave it enough pull for me to 'must' see. I am also so happy that I did some homework about this wonderful film first and found out its origin is grounded in a true story involving Rogen himself which immediately had me empathetic at the outset. Written by Will Reiser and directed by Jonathan Levine we are offered a whole different viewpoint and given the license to see things in a new and different way.
The movie is set in Seattle with Adam and Kyle working for the local news station. These two have been friends since their high school days and are still as close as brothers. While Kyle is the forever fun-seeking type, his friend Adam is more serious and very settled down with his live-in girlfriend Rachael (Bryce Dallas Howard). Adam is especially physically active so when he begins having severe pain in his back which is affecting his running and follows right into his intimate life, he seeks out a doctor's diagnosis. He receives the informative results in a stoic and clinically impersonal doctoral report. This is rare cancer located in his lower spine and Adam just cannot understand why this is happening to him as he's only 27 and is in the best of health.
He explains the diagnosis to Rachael. He also explains everything to his mother, Diane (Anjelica Huston), and to his father who is struggling with Alzheimer's disease himself all at a family dinner. Adam has been reticent to let his mother know anything may be wrong because of her, at times, overbearing and overprotective nature, but of first importance to him is to inform his buddy Kyle straight away. He is usually a very jocular guy although literally starts gagging and dry heaving. He then starts explaining how celebrities "beat this all the time" in his own unique way. Kyle does nothing wrong concerning his sense of humor, he keeps it in balance with the frightening experiences that Adam goes through and never leaves him nor stops supporting him through the entirety of his experiences.
As Adam begins going through his rounds of chemotherapy he meets and is always with, two older gentlemen who add another element of humor to this. It seems as if there is an amount of humor in every situation, while the subject of cancer isn't funny whatsoever. It also is as if this movie does not need to apologize nor excuse the fact that there is humor in such a dire situation. There is a definite ease to this, that would border on hysterical concerning some situations with Kyle and Adam. Seth Rogen is unpolished, as usual, although totally perfect as a best friend to Gordon-Levitt's character. Keeping his friend from sinking below the surface at all times, allowing for sadness to come out and then land with such a faithful upswing afterward which only Kyle could provide.
These two remain loyal friends throughout it all. Kyle using Adam's cancer to help him (Adam) find women to date, just being typical guys through everything Adam has to suffer. Humor always abounds in this story, and it isn't necessary for restraining laughter from it. This being a very bold statement. That is why I did my homework on this film first: listening to other's positions on this including Seth Rogen in several interviews, and read everything that I could beforehand. I had to weigh this heavily before viewing this myself, as cancer has touched my own life personally. I had no idea how a movie that has a cancer theme could be hysterically funny: Well, it is and it intrigues me still.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt is dynamic in his performance, he's subtle and bold. He is full of dry humor and also able to convey the full-out emotional side of it also. Seth Rogen is 'pure swearing magic' (I can hardly believe I just wrote that) and made this movie possible, literally. He also shows such a loyal persona that I haven't seen from his performances before. If you didn't really appreciate him before seeing this movie, I think you will after. The best part of this movie is that it allows the theme of cancer to get out for some driving room. One could remain down in the quagmire of it all while watching, although this is equipped with a lift on board that hoists you right over the top with each new scene. It's fast-paced, funny, heartbreaking and hysterical: what a movie. A comedy that is not making bold blanketed statements, it is only regarding one man's experience along with his best friend and it is quite remarkable at that.
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Quick Review: 50/50 (2011) DVD
Musical Journeys Thru Cinema
Reviews with images
50/50 - 100%
This movie is great. Based on a true story about someone who is very close with all of those who are involved in this film. Seth Rogen proved early on in his career with movies like this that he can be in serious movies. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is great as usual in playing Adam who is diagnosed with severe cancer at the beginning. His friendships with the guys doing chemo with him, along with his therapist and romantic interest played by Anna Kendrick, makes for a ton of emotional impact at the end. I love the final scene of the movie between two characters that really caps it off well. The movie is really about how everyone has such a tough time accepting bad news like cancer, and Adam's mother played by Anjelica Huston has the hardest of any it seems. The moment with his father before surgery is where it all begins but this one's a tearjerker with a great ending. The special features and director's commentary are all really informative and fun. All of the guys riffing on the commentary for the whole of the film is quite a treat.Blu-ray came in great condition. Highly recommended dramedy with tons of great talent who continue to shine today.
Top reviews from other countries
Semper Victor
Rire et aimer, quand la vie fait mal
Reviewed in France on July 29, 2015
Elinor Russell
Wonderful, both funny and sad.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 12, 2012