Who would’ve thought it?
A cancer movie that works on many levels. Or as Seth Rogen tells best bud Joseph Gordon Levitt in ’50/50′: "If you were a casino game, you’d have the best odds."
’50/50′ is a bittersweet comedic approach to a pretty taboo subject.
Bottom line: A massive malignant tumor on his spine is what Rogen’s best friend and NPR producer Levitt is diagnosed with and doctors give him a 50/50 chance of survival. Something his girlfriend Bryce Dallas Howard has trouble dealing with in more than one way.
Enter attractive, young therapist Anna Kendrick to the equation, which soon leads to an awkward doctor-patient relationship that may—or may not have a future.
But don’t let the subject matter bum you out.
Seth Rogen definitely takes the edge off and any uneasy feelings soon vaporize as the boys use the cancer as a hook to pick up women.
And most importantly the patient in real life—Will Reiser—on whom this true story is based today is in remission and actually wrote the screenplay for the film.
The movie’s tag line proclaims it takes a pair to beat the odds.
Well, Reiser as portrayed by Levitt, has done just that. And co-producer and co-star Seth Rogen has surrounded himself with a quality cast that pulls off this comedy of cancer, including Anjelica Huston as Levitt’s caring but overbearing mother.
It’s funny, touching, emotional and a great story of friendship and survival.
My diagnosis: 3-1/2 out of 5 fingers for ’50/50′.
Catch JACK GOES TO THE MOVIES Friday mornings at 6:40 a.m. on NewsRadio KMBZ Am & Fm and at 8:20 a.m. on 1660-RADIO BACH. And anytime on Time-Warner Cable’s K.C. ON DEMAND, Channel 411.
funny
Comedic Cancer?
I was planning on staying away from it but may now reconsider. Thanks for the input.
Been There Done That
Used to go to different strip clubs with a friend of mine. He’d tell the girls I just got out of prison, 5 years for a white collar crime and that I had five million dollars stashed away.
The rest as they say is history.
Don’t go…
If you know anyone personally with cancer. My son and I went thinking it might make us feel better. NO I was balling and he did not take it well at all. He actually had a really hard time of it. I think he would have cried if he could have. Thank god it was a Tue night and we were 2 of 6 people in the theater. Anyway just don’t go if you have cancer or have a family member with cancer.