Reviewed By: Flickman
After watching 50/50 with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen, I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I went in expecting more of a comedy, especially with Seth Rogen as one of the leads, but the film leans heavily toward drama.
The story follows Adam, who visits a doctor for back pain only to discover that he has cancer. After looking up the diagnosis on WebMD, he realizes his chances of survival are basically 50/50 – hence the title. As he struggles to process his illness and undergoes chemotherapy, he also learns that his girlfriend is cheating on him. His best friend Kyle offers support, though it often feels like Kyle’s motivations are more about his own interests, like meeting women. Adam’s doctor recommends he speak with a therapist, Katherine, played by Anna Kendrick. She’s still in training, and Adam has his doubts about her experience and her age.
Even though the film is emotional and at times heartbreaking, it’s also fairly predictable. From the moment Adam meets Katherine, it’s clear they’re going to end up together. Not just because it’s the kind of thing movies do, but because of the way they interact. You can tell there’s an immediate connection, even as they try to stay professional.
There are comedic moments, but it never really feels like a comedy. The central focus is Adam’s battle with cancer, and it’s hard to laugh when you’re constantly reminded of what he’s going through. Every time you think things can’t get worse, they somehow do: he discovers his illness, then his girlfriend’s cheating on him, his mom’s overwhelming concern, and his dad’s struggle with Alzheimer’s. The humor helps lighten the mood, but not enough to classify the movie as a comedy.
While I thought the film was very good and enjoyed it from start to finish, I do think it’s rated a little too highly on IMDb. I suspect the high score comes largely from it being a cancer-centered story. Personally, I’d give it a 6.4 out of 10, which feels more reasonable. It’s definitely a solid movie and worth watching, but a 7.6 seems a bit generous to me.
Overall, it’s absolutely worth checking out—just don’t watch it expecting a laugh-fest. Watch it for the emotional story and the drama, not because Seth Rogen is in the cast. If you go in expecting something like Pineapple Express or a typical Rogan film, you’re going to be disappointed.
Overall Verdict: It's definitely worth watching, but watch it for the story and not the comedy. Remember, it's an emotional film about the struggle with cancer, the comedy just helps lighten the mood a bit.
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