Referring to “50/50″ as a cancer story or cancer comedy takes away from the true value of this film. Instead, this story of friendship and hope should simply be called one of the best films of 2011.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt turns in a beautifully understated performance as Adam, a Seattle Public Radio producer who moves slowly in his life and his career. Instead of quick-hit stories, Adam would rather spend weeks on a carefully constructed piece about volcanoes.
Adam’s love life also is stuck in the slow lane. He can’t believe he is in a relationship with Rachael (Bryce Dallas Howard), a beautiful artist who lives with him part-time. Unfortunately, Rachael isn’t as affectionate and giving as Adam would like.
After receiving a devastating cancer diagnosis, Adam is forced to reevaluate his entire life and his relationships. While dealing with the harsh realities of chemotherapy, Adam also has to manage the good-hearted intentions of his family and friends.
Inspired by a true story, “50/50″ is that rare film that can blend laugh-out-loud comedy with a devastating, life-changing event.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt is solid here as Adam, the quiet, analytical guy who learns he has a ticking cancer time bomb in his lower back. Adam isn’t given to speeches or outbursts of anger; he simply says what is on his mind.
Gordon-Levitt is good, but Seth Rogen is truly outstanding as Kyle, Adam’s best friend and co-worker. The screenplay for “50/50″ is based on Rogen’s friendship with Will Reiser, the screenwriter who faced his own devastating cancer diagnosis while he was in his 20’s.
Kyle comes off as blustering womanizer, but he’s pretty much always there when his friend needs a ride to the doctor’s office. In preparation for his chemotherapy, Kyle even helps Adam shave his head, a scene which is one of the funniest sequences in the film.
Anna Kendrick from “Twilight” and “Up in the Air” is perhaps a little too adorable as Katherine, a 24-year-old therapist in training. Always smiling, Katherine is woefully unprepared for a guy like Adam and the devastating effects of his illness. The Katherine character may have worked better if she had shown a little more backbone with Adam.
Though they don’t get much screen time, Matt Frewer and Philip Baker Hall turn in memorable performances as two cancer patients who receive their chemo at the same time as Adam. Their gallows humor about their condition is impossible to forget.
“50/50″ is the type of quality movie that Hollywood should focus on. It’s a movie with heart, humor and something important to say.
“50/50,” rated R for language throughout, sexual content and some drug use, currently is playing in theaters.