A comedy about cancer? That’s gotta be fun right? Well, what if its more of a dark comedy, inspired by a true story? That’s still gotta be funny right? For so many people, the C word instills fear, brings back memories and so forth. Some might say its a brave move to bring a Cancer comedy to the big screen, others might say its a fine line. Either way, its a good thing.
Starring Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 50/50 tells the story of a 27 year old guy, who, to coin the movie terminology, gets “back cancer” at the young age of 27. The bulk of the movie concerns family, relationships and friendships as everyone, particularly Adam (JG-L) comes to terms that it might be game over. Coupled with a number of genuinely laugh out loud moments, 50/50 is far from the slapstick affair that you might be used to see Seth Rogen partake in. There is a movie here that has a great sincerity , and whilst it never takes itself too seriously, it is incredibly watchable and likable.
One of the main reasons is the chemistry between Rogen and Gordon-Levitt. They bounce incredibly well off each other and are entirely convincing as on screen buddies. But for me, Joseph Gordon-Levitt is pretty bloody phenomenal. His performance has a gradual transformation from a happy, clean / organisational freak to somebody entirely different. At one point, it did leave me in tears and by that point (don’t worry, you’ll know when it hits) you are so sucked into the movie, you won’t even think about looking for some Kleenex. The rest of the cast, including Anna Kendrick and Bryce Dallas Howard all do stellar jobs here as well, with Kendrick being particularly likeable.
Written by Will Reiser (who survived cancer) 50/50 is quite fast paced and never really leaves you hanging about. If I had to pick holes, the ending seems a little bit rushed, as does the beginning. That said, the bulk of the movie does such a good job of bringing you in, that it doesn’t really matter.
No doubt many people may shy away from a movie about cancer, let alone a comedy about cancer. But if there was ever a movie to break a few rules and be incredibly honest, 50/50 is it. Its a movie that will certainly leave a mark and is a must see!
