Liam Patrick returns with his latest film review, in his own words. Ed
50/50 asks new and profound questions about cancer in our modern era. Most importantly; how can it best be used to pick up women?
Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as Adam, a 27 year old radio producer who is diagnosed with a rare form of spinal cancer. The story follows his and best friend Kyle’s (Seth Rogan) struggle to come to terms with the illness.
“The more syllables it has, the worse it is” asserts one of Adam’s fellow patients after he reveals the technical term for his illness, Schwannoma Neurofibrosarcoma.
Superb direction
The idea glibly illustrates the overwhelming nature of his condition; posing the question how can you fight something you can’t even pronounce?
Mitch (Matt Frewer) and Alan (Philip Baker Hall), Adam’s hospital companions, give great heart to the film; counted upon to offer wise words and marijuana filled macaroons.
When the three are joined by Kyle for a smoking session, the herbally altered scene illustrates Jonathan Levine’s directorial finesse.
Incredibly authentic voyage
The close up shots and mismatched audio create a warm and poignantly humorous set piece that mirrors the mood of the rest of the film.
Rogan re-enacts the real life role he played in screenwriter Will Reiser’s journey through cancer. His humorously detached portrayal becomes funnier and more touching as the film goes on.
Gordon-Levitt takes the audience with him on an incredibly authentic voyage; the pain and hope of the character reflected acutely in his wan smile. But now we reach the crux of the matter – cancer as a chat up line?!
Delight to watch
If the film reaches a conclusion about this it is that perhaps it’s not best as an opening gambit.
Adam and Kyle’s misadventures discovering this are a delight to watch and the duo’s natural spark is clearly apparent.
Don’t forget the romance
Romance does appear in the guise of Katherine (Anna Kendrick), a psychotherapist assigned to Adam’s case. Young, inexperienced and struggling to master the ‘comforting hand on the arm’ technique Katherine is immediately endearing.
With a relationship that could easily have felt like a standard obligatory romance Gordon-Levitt and Kendrick’s chemistry shines through. Though slightly rocky from a medical ethics perspective, audiences will find it impossible to begrudge this truly genuine pairing.
Scores on the doors
A story that will leave you with a tears in your eyes and a smile on your face, a must see.
Plot: 5/5 “A beautiful story arc that retains all the authenticity of the original tale”
Acting: 4/5 “Played with delicate poignancy by an outstanding cast”
Visuals: 3/5 “Imagery is used solely to serve the story, but is chosen with great elegance”
Soundtrack: 4/5 “Music is never overwhelming but nevertheless enhances scenes threefold”
Entertainment: 4/5 “With laughs and tears in abundance, it will captivate till the end”
Overall: 4/5
