Movie Review: 50/50

This is one of the first movies I have seen since the summer that I absolutely adored from beginning to end. It was so enjoyable that is surprised me. I remember thinking in the middle of it, "I cannot believe how good this is."

What I really loved about the movie is that it wasn't a cliche. Most movies that deal with serious stuff like cancer usually flower up the sickness. Instead, 50/50 shows a very honest interpretation of what it means to be struck with something so bleak and doesn't shy away from the fact that it really sucks. Because they didn't try to dress it up, I felt as an audience member much more connected to the story. But what is really amazing is it still manages to be funny. Needless to say the writing is just wonderful. Even when Adam is going through the worst of it, the tone never crosses the line into territory that's too dramatic. There is a perfect balance of comedy and tribulation to keep you from being pulled too far one way or the other. It's kind of astounding how they managed to do that.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt was just wonderful in this role. I loved the way he played his character, kind of insecure and a bit awkward. He was the perfect lead for this story because, he's so likable, you cannot help but care for him. I don't know what kind of award he should get, but walking out of the theater I just kept thinking... "He really deserves some kind of recognition for that!" Seth Rogen was also really good. He played his usual character, but with a touch of vulnerability we don't usually see in him.

Overall, it was just such a wonderful movie. I made it to about the middle without crying, but then I teared up. By the end I was very noticeably crying, but even so I still burst out laughing through my tears. It is slightly hard to know what to expect from a film like this, but all I can say is expect to feel lots of things, and I mean that in the best way! 

PS. I tweeted my mini-review to Joseph Gordon-Levitt and he reposted it and sent me emoticons back! Haha!