I give 50/50 more than a 50/50 chance to have movie staying power!

Rating: Null/10 (7 October 2011)

Due to my over 50 certifiable corny puns that I insert in my film reviews, there will be most probably more than a 50/50 chance that you will find my review of the new comedy-drama "50/50" very "repunant". See what I mean! Anyways, let me cut to the chase. "50/50" stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Adam, a Seattle radio journalist who in his mid 20's is diagnosed with a form of spinal cancer; too "syllabistic" to pronounce. Adam, as anyone would be, is first stricken back with his diagnosis and even though he maintains his resiliency is still internally profoundly hurt with the situation. He finds some sort of zany support from his best friend Kyle, who is with Adam through the cancer battle, but actually uses Adam's sickness to meet beautiful women. Kyle is portrayed by Seth Rogen, who ironically enough lived his Kyle role when supporting best friend Will Reiser through his cancer ordeal a few years ago. And Reiser even rose up through the challenge and wrote the "50/50" screenplay. Adam's girlfriend Rachael (Bryce Dallas Howard) does her best (or better her worst) to support Adam through the ordeal. Adam does get mental aide from a perky newbie psychiatrist Katherine played by Anna Kendrick. Adam also receives some "I am there with you" support from a couple of older cancer patients Alan (Phillip Baker Hall) and Mitch (Matt Brewer) who share chemistry and chemotherapy with Adam. The legendary Angelica Houston portrays Adam's overbearing but loving mother Diane. What makes "50/50" primarily work as a medication for narrative dullness are the eccentric characters in the film, and Reiser's witty screenplay in authentically balancing out the gravity of the situation with respectful comedic doses. All of the performances get a first-rate diagnosis especially the under-appreciated Gordon-Levitt and the alluring Kendrick; I was psyched up mentally and physically in their scenes together. Rogen was his usual "rogenish" but was the film's primary comic relief. And I could live to forever to watch Phillip Baker Hall performances. I am glad that Director Jonathan Levine stayed alive with the "50/50" project because the director usually has more than 50% accountability on a movie's success or failure; and in this case it was more of the former than the latter. "50/50" is a movie I could view more than 50 times, and the percentage shows that you will second that notion. I hope there is more than a 50/50 chance you will see this gem as soon as possible. ***** Excellent