50/50

Adam is a normal guy with a normal job. He does not smoke. He does not drink. He has never done drugs. In fact, because of the danger, Adam has never even driven a car nor does he own a driver’s license. Considering all of this information about Adam, how is it fair or possible that he has a malignant, cancerous tumor on his spine? Fair or not, this is the situation Adam finds himself in at the beginning of “50/50”, an excellent film that takes the subject of cancer and views it through a lens that is rarely seen on the big screen: reality.

Adam has always lived his life managing risk, but it no longer seems to matter. He is now forced to face his probable death and only has one friend, Kyle, to turn to. Adam’s relationship with his girlfriend is rocky, and his mother is taking care of his father who has Alzheimer’s disease. In the midst of all of this and with the help of a therapist, Adam begins to come to grips with his situation.

Usually, when films depict cancer, it is in one of two ways. It is either a completely solemn and desolate affair, or it is filled with unrealistic emotions. While cancer can be desolate and emotional, it is always a very real part of life. “50/50” is written by Will Reiser, and it is based on Reiser’s actual experiences from when he was diagnosed with cancer. Because of this, the film handles the topic of cancer deftly, and it brings out every emotion in the viewer. The film has some truly funny moments, as well as some touching ones, all of which ring true to real life.

“50/50” is successful because of its willingness to be open about its subject matter, and also because of its excellent cast. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays the role of Adam, and his performance carries the film. Levitt makes you feel his pain, without being over dramatic or insincere. His best friend, Kyle, is played by Seth Rogen. Rogen is a talented writer and has excellent improvisational skills, but he is limited as an actor. He does the best work of his career in “50/50”.

There are so many positive aspects of “50/50”. During the film, Adam learns about true friendship, honoring his parents, the importance of a life well lived, and true love. These messages are ones that you do not often see on the big screen, much less in R-rated films.

Unfortunately, the film is, in fact, rated “R” and rightly so. There are over 100 profanities in “50/50”, as well as graphic sexual dialogue and one brief sex scene. After his diagnosis, Adam partakes multiple times in “medical marijuana”. These content issues are extreme, and while some of the issues are a realistic in their portrayal, the content is excessive and makes this movie not for kids and only for discerning adults.

“50/50” is one of the best films I have seen all year. It is unfortunate that the content of the film is gratuitous, because the story is excellent and the acting on display is top notch. “50/50” is billed as a “cancer comedy”, but that billing could not be further from the truth. While the film is funny, it is also poignant and effective. “50/50” is one of the biggest surprises of the early movie season.

Violence: Mild / Profanity: Extreme / Sex/Nudity: Extreme

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