50/50

50/50

Directed by Jonathan Levine

Written by Will Reiser

With Joseph Gordon- Levitt, Seth Rogan, Anjelica Huston, and Anna Kendrick

“50/50,” a jewel of a film, is good news for people who are dealing with cancer. Writer Will Reiser based its script on his own experiences with the disease. The film shows how illness can provide a transformative journey for the afflicted as well as those around them. What makes this film so special is that it is also a comedy that finds humor in the most uncomfortable of places. And 50/50 delivers.

Adam Lerner(Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a 27-year-old Seattle radio producer who finds out that he has a massive tumor growing on his spine. He lives with his vain and beautiful artist girlfriend, Rachel (Bryce Dallas Howard), and is pals with Kyle (Seth Rogan), a big-hearted and foul-mouthed doofus of a guy. 

He has an overprotective worry-wart mother (Angelica Huston), whose nervous Nelly phone calls he declines to answer. Adam is a quiet, agreeable sort who underplays his illness but now must deal with the biggest issue in life: his mortality. And he is a man so cautious that he does not have a driver’s license because of the chance he might be involved in an automobile accident.

Meanwhile, Rachel, who is in denial about Adam’s illness, is cheating on him. He has shaved his head and is undergoing the chemo that renders him nauseated and weak. Exuberant Kyle , the most faithful of friends, drives him to the hospital for his chemo and takes him to bars to pick up women in Adam has no interest. He is too ill, and his life is now all about his cancer. But Seth is always there for him.

At the hospital Adam bonds with two older men, Alan  (Philip Baker Hall) and Mitch (Matt Frewer)who are also getting chemo. They convince straight-laced Adam to try marijuana laced cookies to lessen his discomfort. He has psychotherapy sessions with 24-year-old Catherine (Anna Kendrick), an untested but well intended psychotherapist. His ordered life is crumbling, and he is at a loss as to how to deal with it.

All of this could be a big downer for the audience, but Adam’s friend Kyle creates an escape by telling crude jokes and creating funny distractions. But “50/50” never sinks to TV Sit Com shenanigans.. It is too thoughtful and intelligent for that.

The acting couldn’t be better. Joseph Gordon- Levitt  holds back as the reserved and agreeable Adam. Seth Rogan was born for his role as the big-hearted often bumbling clod of a guy. Anjelica Huston is every bit the hysterical, ever annoying and anxious Mother. Anna Kendrick is perfect as the insecure starting-out psychotherapist stumbling along as she tries to get Adam in touch with his feelings.

“50/50” could have been a much darker film, but director Jonathan Levine and writer Will Reiser have kept the tone light and upbeat although there are moments when your eyes will well over. 

Dealing with death before the age of 30 is a pretty heavy topic. “50/50” keeps it light. And in the end we understand that all that really matters is being true to oneself and to the others in our lives. Not a bad thing to learn.