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Can a film about cancer be funny? Normally, it's one of those topics that Hollywood tends to stay away from when it comes to comedy. Sure, you have "Terms of Endearment" which is thought of as one of the best films in the last 30 years, but cancer doesn't always equal comedy. While I won't consider "50/50" in the same class of "Terms" it's still a film that takes the subject of cancer, and disease in general, and combines it with humor, though sometimes crass, and hope. It also plants the seeds for Joseph Gordon-Levitt, where you really get to see him act in a big time way.
"50/50" is the story of Adam, a twentysomething working at a NPR-like radio station in Seattle. Cutting to the chase, after visiting a doctor for some unexplained aches and pains he learns that he has a rare type of cancer (isn't it always a rare type of cancer in any film?) With the help of his friend Kyle, Adam tries to look on the bright side of life even with his personal life crumbling around him as well as his well-intentioned mother's constantly harassment, and father dealing with Alzheimer's Disease. When it rains it pours, I guess?
The film also stars Anna Kendrick as Adam's psychologist, Katherine, who I think does a fine job and adds something special to "50/50." What I will add is that I'm a little confused about all the hate that Kendrick gets for the roles she takes. I mean she's no Jennifer Lawrence, but she's just as awkward as J-Law, but people take her as a bitch for some reason. She only has a handful of roles to her credit, including an Academy Award nominated performance for her first *real* role in "Up In the Air" but I'm not sure why so many people complain about her acting. She has her own style, and despite the fact that several of the characters that she plays are moody or quirky-outsider types in the early 20's, I think she does the best she does with the writing that is provided for her. As for her performance in "50/50" Kendrick continues to show that when given material she can really shine, see "End of Watch" for further evidence that she has a bright future as a new type of "the girl next door."
Moving away from my Anna Kendrick rant and back to "50/50," the other thing that struck me with the film is the honesty in which cancer is dealt with. While at heart the film is a "comedy" there are some real human elements to the film, namely unexpected loss, coming to grips with situations you have no control over, and re-establishing old relationships, and building new ones. Gordon-Levitt conveys an honest performance and is still able to pull a few decent laughs from a situation that rarely leaves room for humor. Seth Rogen, usually the funniest guy in the room, manages to still be the comic relief of the film, but he shows some of his acting chops as a friend who is trying to turn his friend's tragedy into his own gain, but still show some compassion as a best friend.
Overall, "50/50" is a fine film that shines a light on a disease that most people try to stray away from. To be honest, I think there are more films about the plight of people suffering from AIDS then people suffering from cancer, a far more relatable disease to be honest with you. I'm sure in our lives we have met someone, been friends with, or have had a family member that has fought cancer. Of course I'm not taking anything away from people who suffer from HIV/AIDS, but Hollywood seems to make have a "mythic" obsession with the AIDS virus, while cancer is almost a dirty word to most people. So, if you've yet to see "50/50" it's certainly worth a watch just to see some young actors dealing with, and executing some of the heaviest acting that most of them had to deal with up to that point.
*I don't consider anything "Twilight" related a real role by an actor or actress that wants to be taken serious.
Fun Fact: Actors Matt Frewer and Philip Baker Hall have both played cancer patients in previous films Watchmen and Magnolia, respectively.
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