“50/50” is Human

Genres: Drama and Comedy

Running Time: 1 hr. 39 min.

Release Date: September 30th, 2011 (wide)

MPAA Rating: R for language throughout, sexual content and some drug use.

Director: Jonathan Levine

JJ Rating: A

Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is safety freak. He doesn't run across the street when the sign says don't walk, no matter if there's no traffic. He doesn't smoke. He doesn't drive, due to the chance of death. He doesn't do a lot of things that are unsafe. Therefore he's reasonably shocked when the doctor tells him he has cancer. Kyle (Seth Rogen) is his best friend and tries to keep things normal. Katherine (Anna Kendrick) is his cancer therapist, she tries to help him cope. Diane (Anjelica Huston) is his mother, she smothers him with care. Rachel (Bryce Dallas Howard) is his girlfriend, she doesn't do caring. 50/50

9 Good Things About this Film

1. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is one of my favorite actors. He's talented. I see him in a film, I know I'll not only like his performance, I'll like the film.
2. Anna Kendrick has a great way of stopping and starting her sentences or while in the middle of her sentences. She's beautiful and an amazing actress for this type of film. She hasn't disappointed me.
3. Bryce Dallas Howard is a wonderful with subtle evil. Her eyes are so trusting and inviting...but that's how she rips out your heart. She will be getting an award in no time.
4. The story was fantastic from start to finish. It built up with enough humor and emotion that when the end came, I felt so attached to Adam that his emotional breakdown brought me to my own tears.
5. Great use of music. Especially before and during surgery at the end. “The Other Side of Mt. Heart Attack” by Liars. That song perfectly matched the scene from start to finish so well, it was as if they wrote that song for that scene specifically. I loved it. When listen to it, I see the scene. Play out.
6. I laughed. I rolled my eyes. I laughed some more. I cried. It is an amazing way of telling a story.
7. Now I'll have two favorite movies starring Gordon-Levitt.
8. 50/50 is based on true story, I didn't know that...therefore I think the story hit harder not knowing. I love that Will Reiser (who Adam is based on) wanted the story told with humor and that humor was the point of telling the story.
9. It has a lot of humanity in it. If I were to offer up films to aliens who didn't know about humans films to bring them up to speed, I'd pick this one.

1 Bad Thing About this Film

1. Seth Rogen. He is typed cast or he lacks the ability to be more than one character over and over again. Through the first half I was annoyed with him, but by the time the end arrived, Rogen made up for it. (side note, I know he's part of the “true” part of the story)

50/50 should be nominated for Best Picture. It is this year's As Good As It Gets in that it has a great chance of winning. Maybe even a Best Actor nod. For sure a Best Screenplay nod. Being one of the best films I've seen this year, I would recommend 50/50 to anyone who enjoys dramadies. It'll make you laugh and by the end your heart will be warmer.