50/50

Cynics of this blog may say that I'm going to be particularly biased in my review of 50/50 because of my ongoing infatuation with Joseph Gordon-Levitt. And those people would be absolutely correct. But cute leads aside, this film is actually quite different in what it tries to do; aiming to show the funny side of a cancer story through comedy. Now that's quite a provocative statement, especially as 50/50 is certainly a long way from being just candy and belly-laughs, but at the centre is a really delicately written story (which comes as no surprise to be based on real life) that mixes in just enough light-hearted humour to counteract the darkness and depression of the diagnosis.

Without wanting to read much like the back of a DVD case, 50/50’s main theme isn’t really the effects of cancer, or the journey that comes with a treatment as devastating as chemotherapy. Centrally, the story is all about relationships; the (at times dysfunctional) friendship between JGL’s Adam and Seth Rogen’s Kyle (essentially playing a fictionalised version of himself), the failing liaison with girlfriend Rachael, and the broken bonds with his parents (especially his mother). Each one is dealt with delicately, not least by an excellent cast, but certainly helped by an incredibly well written story that can only really have been created by the person at the centre, and presumably helped by Seth Rogen who experienced it all first hand.

Genuinely shaving your head while improvising the scene? Meet the very riskiest of one-take wonders...

Overall, 50/50 strikes a really harmonious balance between comedy and drama, becoming a beautiful hybrid of the genres. In places, it’s difficult to do anything but get engulfed by the overwhelming sense of loneliness that ultimately just makes you want to reach into the screen and give him a hug. But contrasting them, the comic flair (mainly with the highly capable Seth Rogen at the helm) provides plenty of charming chuckle-inducing relief, and numerous moments that even the gloomiest of audience members will struggle not to crack a smile at.