50/50 (9/10)

Cancer is a virus in some ways. While one person is diagnosed, all in that person's life is are affected. Parents must fear the death of their child. No parent should have to worry about their child dying before they pass away. Friends are in a loop trying to find how they can help and in some ways where to back off. Your significant other is placed in a position of caregiver and they will feel the pain their loved one goes through. Cancer is a nasty thing.

So with an intro like that I wouldn't be surprised if you think "50/50" is going to be a downer. Well appearances are deceiving because "50/50" is a delight. It's funny, heartfelt and has a lot to get your attention. Comedies that deal with dark details often go along one or two paths. There is the dark comedies along the lines of "In Bruges" or you go for downers with big laughs like "Funny People". "50/50" walks a miracle line and manages just the right amount of laughs with just the right amount of emotions. Some laughs will be joyous and others may sting, but you'll love the affect either way.

Joseph Gordon Levitt plays Adam, our central character in "50/50" First I just want to take a second to give praise when it's due. JGL has given one of the years finest performances. Every step in his journey you'll feel as it were happening to you. It takes a rare gift to do that and JGL is an actor that has achieved that and more. He's easily of of the best actors working today. back to the story. Adam is the ultimate nice guy. He doesn't J-walk, litter, drink, smoke or even get truly angry. Adam works in radio and genuinely cares about his pieces. He's been having some back pains and goes to the hospital where the doctor tells him he has a rare spinal cancer where the odds of living are of course 50/50.

His girlfriend Rachel (fiery redhead Bryce Dallas Howard) says she'll stick by him. This of course is not the whole truth. A couple of years ago I'd have said she was a well... shitty person for not trying to help Adam in every way imaginable. However some growing up and two viewings of "Angels in America" showed me that is wrong to think. She's put in the role of caretaker, not something she signed up for. She feels obligated to help but she's not ready to throw 100% of herself into the situation. I may not agree with her backing away but I can't blame her. I do wish the film didn't make her look as villainous though. You'll see why.

Adam's best friend is Kyle. Kyle is played by Seth Rogen in the typical Rogen performance. While he is a major character, Rogen's "style of comedy" is keep in check. I prefer in that way since Adam is the lead and doesn't need to be shown up. Kyle helps in the way a best friend would. He tries to cheer him up and is always ready to offer a helping hand. Adam's mother (Angelica Huston) worries to the point it causes Adam to shy away from her. Neither person is right but Cancer doesn't make people thing soundly.

Since Adam doesn't drive, he has to rely on others to get him to his chemotherapy. There he jokes around and talks to two older men (Phillip Baker Hall & Matt Frewer). Adam is 27 and these men are well passed middle aged. It's a terrible thing for such a young and kind man to be in this situation. In the same hospital Adam sees a therapist to help him deal with the situation. Katherine (Anna Kendrick) is young (younger than Adam) and ill experienced in helping Adam. Both learn things from each other. Either way you'll like the conversations they have.

"50/50" is a fantastic movie. One of the year's best even. I'm sure I'll be looking kindly upon it some time from now. It pulls on some heartstrings but never does the next laugh seem to distant. I left the theater with a smile on face and little warmth in my heart. I loved it and you should too.

9/10
Recommendation: It may sound depressing and while it will make you sound, the end product is all too great to be ignored by anybody.