Big Screen Peter: 50/50

 

review by Peter Lewis

It’s a rare pleasure when a movie is able to weave serious emotional drama with real, cramp inducing laughter.  Crossing the supposed void that separates these two disparate worlds — comedy and drama — is a difficult task for filmmakers.

These cross-genre romps have been (poorly) labeled as dramedies (a moniker as creative as the spat of athletic nicknames fusing first and last name, A-Rod, CarGo, etc).

Like all critics, I don’t have much to offer in way of replacement. Real-life doesn’t do much as a genre title, but movies that deftly cross in and out of both comedy and drama are portraying life in all its frustrating and sublime reality. We laugh at things we shouldn’t. We choke up unexpectedly. Humanity is a complex, incoherent mess. And the great dramedies (god I hate saying that word) make sense of the mess. They find cause where one shouldn’t exist and propel audiences toward something greater.

That’s the most frustrating and pleasing thing about “50/50,” a new film directed by Jonathan Levine and written by Will Reiser. There are moments of pure, indelible joy. And then there are scenes of unforgettable heartbreak that tug on even the most callous of souls. It never quite reaches an Elysian Plain, but it is a consistent and enduring pleasure to view.

The movie stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as Adam, an overly conscientious public radio reporter with a self-absorbed girlfriend and some back pains. A visit to a doctor reveals the sobering truth: a rare strain of cancer.

Gordon-Levitt long ago proved his worth as an able actor. If there’s a solid cinematic bet, it’s him. His turn in “50/50” further cements his status as one of the bright lights in Hollywood. But he’s far from the only bright light in the film.

Anjelica Huston is sensational as Adam’s twitchy, barely composed mother. Dealt a double blow — son with cancer and husband wandering through alzheimer’s — she sparkles with heartbreaking energy. And Anna Kendrick, playing Adam’s cancer counselor, is equally twitchy and beautiful, as confused with her career as she is her emotions for Adam.

In many ways, however, the film is anchored around Seth Rogen. Like much of his acting history, his role is one of a loud-mouth, sex-obsessed stoner. Yet, his role in the film is a reprisal of the real-life role he played in the life of 50/50’s writer, Will Reiser. He’s Adam’s guard dog and loyal protector, barking down the throat of a would be succubus (Bryce Dallas Howard), ferrying his friend to chemo appointments, and partaking in the medicinal benefits of life with cancer. His presence creates a flowing dynamic between despair and dick humor. His levity cements the animus of their relationship.

“50/50” is a more earnest comedic spin on the real world problems explored in films like “Juno” or “Knocked Up.” Where “Juno” seemed contrived and odds with itself, “50/50” is unfettered and natural. The unexpected humor blooms easily, never seeming terribly overextended or abrasive against such a depressing backdrop. The movie embraces its myriad skins with waxing, thought-provoking indie rock propelling it forward.

In short, it’s Love Story for hipsters. Which is a deep compliment and subtle jab. It’s not quite great, but it gets close enough.

• 50/50 is playing at the Carmike 14 and the Malco Cinema 16 in Fort Smith, and the Malco Van Buren Cinema. Link here for time and ticket info.

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