The chance for Adam’s (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) survival is 50/50, but the rating for the movie itself isn’t quite that optimistic.
Based on a true story, “50/50” depicts 27-year-old Adam as he discovers the shocking news that his sore back is actually a rare kind of cancer in the form of a spinal tumor. It seems impossible, as he has played by the rules his whole life, such as never jaywalking and refusing to drive because it’s too dangerous. Instead of being profoundly affected by his diagnosis, he fails to react or display any emotion.
He matter-of-factly tells the news to the most important people in his life, including his hilariously vulgar best friend Kyle (Seth Rogen) and his obnoxiously artsy girlfriend Rachael (Bryce Dallas Howard). Rogen’s character provides comic relief to the film, but his uncensored humor is sometimes more foul than funny. He uses Adam’s disease to pick up girls, but is actually revealed to be a loyal friend when Adam discovers Kyle’s dog-eared book about helping a friend get through cancer.
His concern for Adam’s well-being far outstrips that of Rachael, who refuses to accompany him during his chemo treatments because she doesn’t want to comingle the harsh reality of the hospital with her safe, artistic world. “It’s an energy thing,” she explains.
Their dysfunctional relationship is just one of many in Adam’s life. He neglects to return the calls of his worried, overprotective mother, not understanding that her anxiety is rightly due because of both her husband’s affliction with Alzheimer’s and her son’s battle with cancer.
Adam’s therapist, Katherine (Anna Kendrick), points out the callousness of his actions, although that’s probably the only appropriately helpful thing she does for one of her three real patients. Her professionalism is underwhelming as she drives him home, gives him her number, tells him about cyber stalking her ex-boyfriend, and eventually dates him. Although expected, their relationship isn’t one that viewers were really hoping for, due to their awkward interactions and lack of on-screen chemistry.
Still, Katherine is definitely a step up from Rachael, who forgets to pick Adam up from chemo and who Kyle later catches lip-locking with another man. Showing a picture of his girlfriend cheating on him even fails to get a reaction out of Adam.
However, on the rare occasions when Adam does show emotion, the movie shows promise. His foul-mouthed refusal to accept Rachael’s desperate apology was surprisingly funny.
Adam’s screaming breakdown after driving a car for the first time reveals his underlying anger with his situation, letting viewers see that he actually did care whether he lived or died. Before going into surgery, his tearful embrace with his mother was an undeniably poignant moment that proved the unconditional love between a mother and her son.
The movie itself was very well-done with professional filming and the screenplay written by the real-life Adam, Will Reiser. The story of his battle with cancer is realistic and heartfelt, but unfortunately not done justice by the subpar acting.
“50/50” had great potential with its powerful message and talented lead actor. Let’s face it, Levitt always looks good, with hair or without. But his mundane acting in this movie leaves something to be desired, making this so-called comedy as humorless as cancer itself .
Cara Reilly is the Copy Editor chief for the JCpatriot and JCpatriot.com