50/50

I did it! I strayed away from the usual rom-com and branched out into the world of the dramedy. Not a very big stretch, I know, but I wasn’t about to put up with the “story line” of Drive just to see Ryan Gosling flash his hot abs a few times.

50/50 might be the best movie I have seen yet this year. The acting was phenomenal, the topic hit close to home (literally), and the filming was laced with perfection.

It would be very hard for me to give Joseph Gordon-Levitt anything but a great review- based on looks alone he can’t get beneath 3 stars in my book. This time though, he probably deserves an Oscar. Gordon-Levitt’s portrayal of his character Adam was real and raw. As a viewer, you had no choice but to feel what he was feeling and to imagine yourself in his position. One day you’re a happy and in love 27 year old with a little bit of back pain, the next you are a heart-broken bald guy with a rare form of cancer that you can’t even pronounce, and a 50% chance of survival. Joseph Gordon-Levitt flawlessly depicts the frustration and confusion one must feel in that situation, and the physical response that inevitably comes out. During one scene, the weight of it all seems to hit him at once and Adam breaks down; for a moment he can’t handle it, he lets down his guard, and even makes one move that brought a guaranteed smile to the audience.  It is scenes like this that really let an actor delve into a character and show their skill, Gordon-Levitt proved himself worthy of any role.

Although he is not exactly crush material, Seth Rogen deserves more than just a mention in this review. I love his hilariously dumb characters in other movies, I have probably seen Knocked Up 25 times. Playing Kyle was a bit of a different role for him, one that allowed a sense of humor, but also required a serious and emotional side. Rogen went above and beyond, meeting every facet of his character with the perfect amount of each; the pot-smoking liberal, the flirt, the best friend, and most importantly, the partner in Adam’s cancer. I don’t think you could ask for a better best friend in that situation. Rogen did such a stellar job that it was the friendship aspect of the movie which brought me to tears, not the cancer itself.

I guess I am a little bit biased; I like every movie that is based in Seattle. Albeit, the first scene was so obviously filmed in Vancouver’s Stanley Park, the cross walk signals were Canadian style, and the typical Mt. Ranier/Space Needle landscape was shown in the background of a scene on a Pike Street (which is physically impossible). The characters, however, were undeniably Seattleites. They worked for public radio, spent time in a coffee shop, smoked a lot of weed, and lived in a picturesque Seattle neighborhood. Word has it that director Jonathan Levine even spent time at Seattle’s (world-class) Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to gain knowledge and perspective for the film, it obviously helped.

It is really difficult for me to write this review without giving away all the best parts. I’m going to stop now, and just tell you to go see the movie. GO SEE 50/50! You will not regret it, it is well worth your $10, and you don’t want to be left wondering what all the fuss was about when the Oscars come around this February.

Until next time,

A