50/50

50/50 is one of the most recent cancer-themed movies, directed by Jonathan Levine, and inspired by the story of its writer, Will Reiser. In the past I have watched another two similarly themed movies, "Stepmom" and "The bucketlist". "Stepmom" is a strong movie. Dealing with relationships such as mother-teenage daughter, husband and ex-wife, ex-wife and current mistress, it is intense and melodramatic. "The bucket list" is a slightly lighter movie that makes you contemplate about friendship and the meaningful things in life. Both of them are golden movies with golden actors.

"50/50" is less dramatic than the above, yet powerful. It is about Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a regular, rule-abiding young man who one day learns that he suffers from a rare form of spinal cancer. The movie shows his journey during treatment and how he and the people in his life deal with it, like his best friend Kyle (Seth Rogen), his girlfriend (Bryce Dallas Howard), and his mom (Anjelica Huston).

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as Adam, acts quietly and without profound emotion, leaving room for the audience to feel for themselves. He wins the viewer's empathy from the beginning to the end, barely making a frown or shedding a tear, a very modern approach if you ask me. Seth Rogen as Kyle, even though he is not exactly elegant, is touching as he stands by his friend without treating him like he's going to break. Anna Kendrick, as Adam's psychologist during his treatment, despite the initial awkwardness between them, becomes actually supportive to him in a way that complements Kyle's role.

There are funny as well as sweet, subtle moments, which are more due to the script and the chemistry between the actors, rather than the music of the movie. In fact, the soundtrack is there just to mildly complement the story, not to generate strong emotions to the audience (*cough* Nolan *cough*). In a nutshell, this movie is effortlessly outstanding.

Favorite line: "I would describe it as fine."