Story by Isaiah Salgado
Staff Writer
“50/50” brings as much laughter as it does tears.
Directed by Jonathan Levine and written by Will Reiser, “50/50” is a movie that many people today can relate to.
“50/50” is a true story about a young man named Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who develops a rare cancer despite his healthy life style, and he lives with his girlfriend, Rachael (Bryce Dallas Howard), despite the disapproval of his best friend Kyle (Seth Rogen).
Adam has to overcome many obstacles such as dealing with his father’s, Richard’s (Serge Houde), Alzheimer’s disease, his mother’s, Diane’s (Angelica Huston), constant concern and worry, an unfaithful girlfriend, and of course, the effects of his cancer and treatment.
The diversity of this movie is truly remarkable, with scenes that will leave you crying tears of laughter, sadness and joy. It is hard to believe that the scene with Kyle cracking jokes and tripping over himself, and the scene with Adam having a break down in the car screaming and pounding on the steering wheel, are only a few minutes apart.
However, the hero of this story is Katherine McCay (Anna Kendrick), Adam’s inexperienced therapist. In the first half of the movie, she awkwardly struggles to make any kind of connection with Adam, but gradually gains his trust. She helps him through his struggles, and by the end of the movie, is arriving at his front door with a pizza ready for their date.
This movie has many unique qualities that I found refreshing. It is able to take something as serious as cancer, and lets us laugh. Seth Rogen did a fantastic job in creating comic relief throughout the movie.
People should watch this movie because no matter who you are, the diversity of the movie allows anyone to enjoy it.
“50/50” not only meets all expectations made, but it goes beyond them.