A Cancer Story That Refrains From Being Too Sentimental

Rating: 9/10 (14 May 2012)

By balancing the the comical elements and the dramatic ones to a rather depressing subject like cancer, the trials and tribulations of living with it and the struggles to survive, "50/50" took a lot of craft and skill and a big hats off for director Jonathan Levine and writer Will Reiser for taking the risk to make this kind of movie possible. Other than "The Bucket List", there have been few movies like this one where cancer and the endless fight for survival is executed in a comical fashion, because in reality a topic like this is usually never taken lightly and most directors might have the fear of striking the wrong cord towards a sensitive audience member. Therefore, a subject like this is mainly for those who are enthused with emotional drama or Lifetime Network movies. I found it curiously refreshing that "50/50" succeeds in making you laugh while you're hoping our protagonist succeeds in his fight against this deadly disease. The comedy factor comes through the fact that it was based on true story with very real characters and yet never gets too the point where it becomes overtly sentimental, which makes the pitch of the story nearly perfect. With a subliminal script by Reiser and a terrific lead by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, this is hands down one of the best movies of 2011.
Gordon-Levitt stars as a 27 year-old young man whose life is put on hold after he was diagnosed with a deadly spinal cancer. Aghast from the news, he still tries to cope with everyday life and making the most out of it. But people around him and people who care about him starts to play even more pivotal parts in his quest to keep on living. Seth Rogen shines as his objectionable friend, Anjelica Huston is incredible as always as his often distanced mother who's in caring for her husband who has Alzheimer's Disease, Anna Kendrick looks very professional as his therapist, Bryce Dallas Howard is remarkable as his girlfriend and Philip Baker Hall and Matt Frewer are excellent as his chemotherapy partners who are in support with him all the way through. Everyone knows that life is precious and that we are all going to die one of these days. So we all must live our life to the fullest and never waste a moment of our lives. As Rogen forces Gordon-Levitt to supplement his illness for sensual pleasures is at times disturbing, but has its funny moments and succeeds in keeping it real.
"50/50" sets the tone with the right balance of drama and comedy that's neither taken too lightly or too melancholy. Sure this provides plenty of laughs but there were a many scenes that will at the same time keep you riveted. The movie was inspired by Rogen's friend and writer Will Reiser as he himself was a cancer survivor and he put in the effort to refrain this movie from being a preachy and weepy story. I also feel that Joseph Gordon-Levitt has took a monumental leap in his career by starring in this movie. He's come a long way from his humble beginnings when he starred in the series "Third Rock from the Sun" and has amazed us with his versatility and chameleon intentions towards the characters he's played throughout his career. Recently he has played a variety of roles recently like "500 Days of Summer" and was exhilarating in "Inception". I won't be surprised if he wins an Oscar or a Golden Globe in the near future.