Life is hard. Work, school, relationships, health problems, it all puts weight on our shoulders. Eventually, that weight will get so heavy that we will break. Who will be there when we break?
Adam is a light hearted 27 year old young man with a good job, good girlfriend, and good spirits. Only good. Not Great. After seeing a doctor for pains in his back, he receives news that will change his simple “good” life forever. Adam is diagnosed with Schwannoma Cancer, a very rare type of spinal cancer. The doctor rambles on with various large words and medical terms, about starting Chemotherapy immediately, but Adam is still in shock, lingering on the words, “You have cancer.” Adam goes numb and the world seems to stop for a few moments. Then, the question dawned on him. “What are my chances of beating it.” He asks the doctor, to which he replies with another medical filled novel, before answering his question. Adam has a 50/50 chance of beating the disease.
His friends and family react as expected; tears, panic, shock, and support. He is advised to see psychologist, Katherine “Katie” McCay, a 24 year old grad student, to which, first impressions do not get their relationship started on good terms. Adam questions Katie how old she is, and if she’s qualified, and Katie sees Adam as a text book example. Telling him how he should be feeling, and reacting, versus asking him how he feels.
Adam is potentially at the beginning, the end of his life. The challenges that he will face in the near future, can define not only himself, but also the people closest to him.
“50/50” is one of the best movies I have seen all year. I believe that this movie has Oscar potential, Absolutely. It is the perfect balance between drama, and a feel-good flick. I was very impressed at how the movie covers such a heavy subject, but still kept it light hearted enough to where I was smiling through misty eyes.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, is phenomenal in the role of Adam. I couldn’t picture anyone that would’ve fit the role better. Joseph is a fairly well known actor for his roles in “Inception,” “500 Days of Summer,” and one of my favorites, “10 things I hate about you.” I love the fact that Joseph is very versatile, his awkward quirkiness in “10 things” and his sly, smart, sexy character in “Inception.” In “50/50,” he played a character, that I could see myself being friends with, approachable, not super confident or cocky, a big heart, and a very quiet strength.
Playing Adam’s best friend, Kyle, is popular funny-man (and Green Hornet) Seth Rogen. Seth was the comic relief at various points throughout the movie. It was not obnoxiously different from other characters that I’ve seen Seth in, but it fit the film, having a loud, sarcastic, “tail chasing” best friend to keep the spirits alive. I feel that it was essential to have a funny-man, but one that would not overshadow the main character, Seth fit nicely.
IMDB discussion boards all give praise to Joseph Gordon-Levitt for the role. A few discussed the idea of having James McAvoy as Adam, (Wanted/Xmen: First Class). I could see that. But I don’t think the balance would’ve fit as well between James and Seth. I think that the casting fit, picture perfect.
This is a phenominal movie for a mature audience, but being that it is a very heavy topic, there are different themes that occur in the film that may not be appropriate for children under the “R” rating. (Language, Sex, Drugs…. Rock N’ Roll). But if you enjoy a deep movie, with a great cast, fantastic character development, and a movie that has the potential to earn an Academy Award: See this movie.
Now you know!
About the Oscar potential show!
Sincerely,
Jackie O!
