The movie 50/50 has been adverised as a comedy about a guy who gets cancer, but while it has humor in it, it is really a drama overall. It has a similar tone as the Adam Sandler movie, Funny People. Both movies have Seth Rogen in common as well. The plot of the film is that 27-year old joseph Adam, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt is diagnosed with a rare cancer. The movie follows how it changes his life and the relationiships that he has with his girlfriend, best friend, mother and therapist.
it is rare to see a movie that strikes multiple tones as this one does and never have a false or manipulative moment. This movie is a drama about what a cancer patient goes through, it is a comedy in the humor that the writers find in real life situations and people, and it also has a sweet, well-written and realistic romance. This movie tackles all 3 aspects with more insight and completeness than a lot of other movies that spend the whole time on just one. This may be in part becasue the writer actually went through similar events in real life.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt does a great job as the lead in his straightforward and honest portrayal of a nice guy that puts most other people before himself. Seth Rogen delivers a lot of the humor as a witty and wacky goof-off friend. Anna Kendrick plays his rookie therapist as responsible and vulnerable and has a great chemistry with him. Angelica Houston plays his overprotective mother, Bryce Dallas howard his detached girlfriend.
This film takes on it’s subject matter seriously and head-first and alternates between funny and depressing, uplifting and terrifying and does it all seamlessly. Through a great script and acting, this movie avoids falling into the usual cliches, melodrama and manipulation that is so common in this type of film. This movie is about life and it captures the essence of it as good as any movie I have ever seen.
For more of my movie reviews click hereCopyright, You Don’t Know Jersey, LLC (2010-2012)
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Tags: 50/50, Angelica Houston, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, movie, review, Seth Rogen
I feel, the Author of this article about the movie , 50/50, did a fine job on describing the overall tone of this movie. The article was very interesting.
Keep em commin !
So far, I find the news Magazine website ” YOU Don’t Know Jersey ” , to be a very interesting, useful and fun way to learn about lots of good stuff to do in our fare state ! I especially like the food reviews ! The Farmer’s Market review is a good way to learn about the healthier food choices our state has to offer, along with supporting our local Farmers is a great idea.
Many thanks, ……
Elvis1