Cancer is funny! Just ask Will Reiser, Seth Rogen’s writing partner who was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago. Cancer is obviously not a humorous subject, but, of course, if you’re friends with Seth Rogen you can probably find the humor in pretty much anything.
Written by Reiser, 50/50 is the story of his battle with cancer and the oddly comical events
Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen in "50/50." Photo by Chris Helcermanas-Benge
that helped him overcome his struggle. Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Inception) as Adam and Rogen as his best friend Kyle, 50/50 is a touching tale of Adam’s shocking diagnosis and the reactions of those closest to him. As is often the case in times of personal crisis, Adam quickly learns who his true friends are as his flaky artist girlfriend (Bryce Dallas Howard), mother (Anjelica Houston), rookie therapist (Twilight‘s Anna Kendrick) and Kyle all find different ways to deal with his condition, as well as their own personal struggles.
Channeling bits of Edward Norton and Edward Furlong, Gordon-Levitt effectively portrays the isolating journey of a clean-living, healthy man striken with a seemingly fatal disease that amplifies other everyday stresses. While his world seems to be falling apart, Adam (with the help of his somewhat schlubby stoner friend) is able to stand strong and overcome such obstacles as his increasingly distant girlfriend, nagging mother and even some of Kyle’s own shortcomings (such as taking advantage of the medicinal marijuana prescription meant to ease Adam’s pain).
Anna Kendrick, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen in "50/50." Photo by Ed Araquel
Rogen, playing a role very similar to the one he played in real life when Reiser went through the same ordeal, is able to make otherwise depressing moments, such as shaving Adam’s head when he begins chemotherapy and discovering exactly why Adam’s girlfriend hasn’t been around as much as she used to be, awkwardly amusing. Eventually, as circumstances start to ease up, Adam is able to gradually take on a more positive outlook, allowing his relationships with the people around him (at least the ones who’ve proven they actually care) to become stronger and more meaningful.
Thankfully, Adam (like his real-life counterpart) is able to defy his 50/50 odds of surviving, overcoming not only his illness, but also some of the other shortcomings that had previously seemed very minor. And even though 50/50 is a heartwarming, sometimes sad, struggle, it seems that one of the best therapies was simply seeing the absurdity in the situation.
50/50. Directed by Jonathan Levine. Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard and Anjelica Houston. Rated R. www.50-50themovie.com.
Review by Jonathan Williams