The story focuses on Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who is in his late 20's and is diagnosed with a very rare tumour on his spine. His first reaction was one of denial and then he realises that he has to tell his friends and family.
His girlfriend Rachael (Bryce Dallas Howard) initially was very supportive and pledges to look after him, despite Adam giving her the opportunity to leave the relationship. However, her support is less than effective.
The next people who need to be told are his family including his mother Diane (Anjelica Huston) and his father Richard (Serge Houde). Adam is reluctant to tell them as his father is suffering from Alzheimer's disease and he feels that his mother is overbearing.
The next significant person is his best friend Kyle (Seth Rogen) who proves to be a very positive influence during Adam's subsequent treatment. Another important influence is the trainee psychologist, Katherine (Anna Kendrick), who helps him deal with his problems, particularly with the issues surrounding his mother and the acceptance of his illness.
Despite my initial reservations about Rogen being in this film, I found myself really warming to his character. The story was interesting, funny and there was the odd teary moment.
Gordon-Levitt is fantastic as the bewildered Adam and Huston puts in another excellent performance as the mother who just wants to help her son.
Although I have no direct experience with cancer, there have been numerous reviews from people who have had cancer treatment and the general view is that it is a fairly realistic portrayal. Furthermore, the story is based on the experiences of Rogen's close friend, screenwriter Will Reiser who underwent treatment for cancer.
My only slight criticism of the film is that the therapist relationship was a bit 'shoe-horned' in and is ethically dubious. Otherwise I thought Kendrick's performance was delightful.
Some reviews that I have read claim that 50/50 is anti-women and I completely disagree. Although the film is essentially about the relationship between Adam and Kyle which is portrayed in a very positive light, other relationships become incredibly important towards the end of the film. The relationships between Adam and his mother and his therapist, both of which he needs to be able to cope with his illness are of equal significance.
Verdict: A very thoughtful, sweet, funny and realistic film which I thoroughly enjoyed. Credible and moving performances from all involved and a career best from Rogen. This film is also notable for being the first film I've seen where members of the audience applauded at the end.
Despite my initial reservations about Rogen being in this film, I found myself really warming to his character. The story was interesting, funny and there was the odd teary moment.
Gordon-Levitt is fantastic as the bewildered Adam and Huston puts in another excellent performance as the mother who just wants to help her son.
Although I have no direct experience with cancer, there have been numerous reviews from people who have had cancer treatment and the general view is that it is a fairly realistic portrayal. Furthermore, the story is based on the experiences of Rogen's close friend, screenwriter Will Reiser who underwent treatment for cancer.
My only slight criticism of the film is that the therapist relationship was a bit 'shoe-horned' in and is ethically dubious. Otherwise I thought Kendrick's performance was delightful.
Some reviews that I have read claim that 50/50 is anti-women and I completely disagree. Although the film is essentially about the relationship between Adam and Kyle which is portrayed in a very positive light, other relationships become incredibly important towards the end of the film. The relationships between Adam and his mother and his therapist, both of which he needs to be able to cope with his illness are of equal significance.
Verdict: A very thoughtful, sweet, funny and realistic film which I thoroughly enjoyed. Credible and moving performances from all involved and a career best from Rogen. This film is also notable for being the first film I've seen where members of the audience applauded at the end.
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