"We all have to die at one point. It is part of life."
That is said by Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who at the beginning of the film "50/50," is diagnosed with a rare form of spinal cancer. He has to rely on his crazy best friend Kyle (Seth Rogen); his girlfriend, Rachel (Bryce Dallas Howard); and his overprotective mother (Angelica Houston) for moral support. All the while, he has to see a therapist named Katherine (Anna Kendrick) who is a graduate student trying to earn her P.H.D.
This is one of the best films of 2011, hands down! I don't understand why it did not get nominated for best picture at the Academy Awards. This is one of the most realistic and truest films that I have seen in a very long time. One of the things I enjoyed about this film was that it made me laugh and cry; sometimes tears of laughter and joy. At other times tears of heartbreak, due to the main character's struggles. I thought watching a movie about cancer was going to be make me depressed. However, the film did the exact opposite. It was inspiring and gave me hope for the future; a hope to make a difference and be a better person.
I give credit to the screenwriter, Will Reiser. Reiser was diagnosed with spinal cancer at the age of 26 while working on the "Ali G" show with Seth Rogen. Rogen supported him and helped him cope through it. Reiser took his own story and put it in words; allowing it to be shared with the many who treasured "50/50."
Joseph Gordon-Levitt played the character of Adam to a tee. Adam was so sincere and even when he was diagnosed with cancer, he continued to remain calm and rational. Rogen, who is known for his crude roles, was the comic relief of the movie. He played his role of Kyle with so much genuine warmness. Rogen and Gordon-Levitt had great on screen chemistry together. It seemed like they were best friends before they even started filming this movie.
This was such a powerful movie and on my list of one of the best movies I ever seen. I am recommending to everyone I come across. It is just one of the films that will stick you time after time. You will not be able to let go of this film. Cherish it forever.
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