By Michael de Moura
50/50 baits movie-goers with the appeal of another lighthearted buddy comedy, co-starring Seth Rogen (The Green Hornet, Pineapple Express). In part, the film which was loosely based around a true story, delivers a powerful message about the sorrows caused by cancer. While still following through with its promises of crass humor.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Inception, The Lookout) fits his role as Adam perfectly. Paired with the lewd comedic relief sustained by Seth Rogen, Adam’s travails create an entertaining balance of drama and comedy.
The writer — Will Reiser — crafted an emotional roller-coaster, filled with ups and downs. His film makes intriguing statements about the nature of medicinal practices and of people. Through cohesive writing, serious messages about people are masterfully portrayed. Such depth, within a genre so full of artistic imperfections is practically unheard of.
50/50 engages viewers with well developed, and convincing characters, all played by a stellar cast. With the help of his hesitant trauma counselor, his eccentric, over bearing mother, and his best friend and colleague Kyle, Adam deals with the emotional and physical repercussions of malignant cancer.
This movie definitely was not what I had expected to see, but turned out to be a unique, insightful, and hilarious movie. 50/50’s individuality among modern comedies, made it all the better.