50/50

Jonathan Levine, 2011

50/50 is a touching film, and also quite a memorable one. I saw it first at the cinema and recently watched it again to confirm that yes, this film is definitely worth a watch. I am a fan of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who stars in this film as 27-year old Adam, diagnosed with a rare form of cancer after what seemed to be a little bit of back ache. His prognosis? 50% chance survival rate. Having flown the nest, and living independently with his girlfriend Adam struggles to tell his overbearing mother and ill father about the disease.

Throughout the film it is not just cancer that Adam has to come to terms with, but he has his good buddy Kyle (Seth Rogen) to throw a bit of fun into the mix and laugh in the face of adversity. The performance from Seth Rogen is slightly toned down from his usual characters, but he definitely brings the humour element to the film. The film is full of some particularly good comedic scenes, for example when Adam decides to shave off his hair before cancer takes it from him, using Kyle's slightly suspicious hair trimmer.

The film also stars Anna Kendrick, Adam's therapist and a junior doctor trying to get to grips with how to approach the topic herself. Adam is reluctant and a bit introvert, but really you sympathise with the character and want to give the guy a hug.

This movie is not going to make you leap out of your seat with excitement, nor will it make you cry your eyes out, it is not the most thrilling but it is very poignant and depicts a normal process that many families have to face. It verges on far-fetched, with the addition of weed cakes being eaten by Adam and his buddies whilst they are treated with chemotherapy, and also the fact that Adam's friend Kyle seems determined to use Adam's situation to pull as many girls as they can. Realistic but bizarre, heart-warming but also sad. The film focuses on the important people in life who will help you through no matter what. Catch it on DVD if you can. An easy watch with a talented cast, well written, original and memorable.

**** / *****