By: Rico Albarracin/Columnist
There are very few topics that are taboo in the comedy genre. Sex, drugs and lewd behavior are staples in the raunchy comedy films of the past few years.
Although few things are off limits, one particular topic is rarely touched upon – illness. With a movie co-starring Seth Rogen, who is known for raunchy comedies, I had concerns that “50/50” would not be well received, or in my case, bring backlash for possibly disrespecting cancer, a sensitive topic. Not only does director Jonathan Levine treat “50/50” with care by toning down the vulgar humor that such movies as “Superbad” and “Knocked Up” are known for, but he also gives a different perspective on illness-related humor that feels real. In all honesty, it was a refreshing twist.
Based on the true story of screenwriter Will Reiser, “50/50” deals with Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who seems to have it all. At 27 years of age, he has a good job, a cute girlfriend and is happy.
Suddenly, his world in thrown into hell when he’s diagnosed with an aggressive form of spinal cancer that offers only a fifty-fifty chance of survival. His girlfriend, Rachael (Bryce Dallas-Howard) can’t deal with the headaches of having to care for Adam, leaving him in the hands of his happy-go-lucky best friend Kyle (Rogen) and psychiatrist-in-training Katherine (Anna Kendrick). They are there with Adam as he goes through chemotherapy and comes to terms with his possibly terminal illness.
You won’t find teens getting into hi-jinks or guys obsessing over women in a sleazy fashion. What you’ll see is a guy coming to grips with cancer in a surprisingly likeable manner.
Gordon-Levitt plays a convincing cancer patient, going through a wide range of emotions throughout the film and showing great chemistry with everyone he encounters. He manages to keep his cool until a cathartic emotional scene late in the film that had me fighting back the tears. Kendrick has shown a great range of acting, portraying different character roles in her last few films, such as “Scott Pilgrim vs the World” and “Up in the Air.”
This movie is no different, as Kendrick plays an awkward character who is always trying to reassure herself that she is doing everything right, even if it feels uncomfortable to the people around her. Some of the movie’s biggest laughs come from the quirkiness that Kendricks shows on screen.
Although the movie has a dark premise, Rogen is not afraid to bring his brash comedy style just to kill the moments of depression. Jokes about genitals, marijuana and women are right in Rogen’s wheelhouse; in this movie, they are not overused and are very much welcomed.
At one moment, when Adam’s girlfriend Rachael comes home late from an art exhibit, Kyle shows up to out Rachael and her not-so-innocent plans. Rogen’s part is played so well that his friendship with Adam feels genuine and real.
In some ways, “50/50” feels like an amalgam of a romantic movie, a drama and a bromance comedy. I felt attached to Adam to the point that I found myself cheering for him to beat the disease.
The relationship and attraction that develops between Adam and Katherine was conflicting and complicated, yet pleasing to watch. The humor is dark but feels natural in the setting that the movie takes place in. “50/50” is not easy to watch because of the subject it deals with and the sensitivity that come with cancer. With that being said, not many movies can get away with poking fun at cancer. “50/50” does it with class and in a refreshing style.
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