50/50 Was 100% Great

50/50
Director: Jonathan Levine
Stars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen and Anna Kendrick

I am going to do what the oncologist didn't do.  And what his surgeon didn't do.  THE GUY IS OK.  Yes, he had (very rare spinal) cancer but he is in his sixth year of remission and doing well in life.  His cousin is Paul Reiser! He'll be fine as long as his cousin doesn't try to do another sitcom.  We'll all be fine as long as his cousin doesn't do another sitcom.

Ok, that's out of the way.  50/50 is a comedy/drama inspired by the life of Will Reiser.  Gordon-Levitt (SWOON!) plays Reiser, well, he plays Adam Lerner who is loosely based on Reiser.  Seth Rogen plays Kyle, Adam's friend since high school.  Anna Kendrick (the only talent to be found in the Twilight movies) is Adam's therapist, filling in on the care where his oncologist so severely lacks.  Oh and Bryce Dallas Howard, Angelica Huston and MAX FREAKING HEADROOM are in it too!

This is exactly my kind of movie.  It's not for everyone. Remember, Seth Rogen is in it and he rarely edits what's on his mind.  And it might be worth noting that some single men in their late 20s going through chemo still want to get laid.  If they have a friend like Rogen then that will be discussed, at length, during the movie.  Anywhoodle, back to this being my kind of movie.  I love the dramedy.  It is perhaps my most favorite of the sub-genres.  Laughter through tears is the best kind of emotion. Yes, Steel Magnolias still makes me cry.  Shut up.  I'm a girl.  It's allowed.

There wasn't much to not like about this movie. Any more humor and it would take away from Adam's journey.  Any less and it would be the downer of the year.  Rogen wasn't nearly as annoying as he can be and in fact was at times kinda sweet in his own way.  Kendrick was great as a newbie therapist figuring out what cancer patients need to talk about and what's actually going to help them.  JGL was masterful as usual.  There's a look he gives towards the end.  It's over his shoulder and he smirks, holding back a full-on smile.  I melted.   So a great story, great cast and a great director (if you like odd but good indies be sure to check out The Wackness).

I'm so glad Reiser got through this and is currently in remission.  This must have been incredibly therapeutic for him to not only put it into words but to see it played out on the screen as well.  And thanks to him, it was therapeutic for me to see it.  Thanks, Will!  I needed this.