50/50

Some situations in life are simply not easy. You can run, not smoke, eat fairly healthy, but it still won't save you from cancer. This bitch just appears in anyone's life, she's not exactly picky. When Adam, a young man, finds out he has cancer, he is quite surprised. On the other hand, we must realize one crucial thing - the main characters in the movie are Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen, especially the latter is not someone who plays in fundamentally dramatic films. Is it possible to approach the diagnosis of cancer humorously, or at least with a smile? More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2013/02/5050-2011-70.html (02/13/2013)

Cliched, civil comedy/drama at it's purest. Functional on both counts, though I'd be happy to welcome Gordon-Levitt back as the kind of emotionless weirdo who I wouldn't even lend a ruler to that he played so well in Brick or Inception, and Seth Rogen's humanoid portrayal of everything that would make emancipated women burn from the inside isn't exactly capable of inspiring confidence that he'd ever have sex. *SPOILER ALERT* However, I do welcome the ending, which could have been resolved (and I expected it to be) in a fashionably shitty way given the nature of the film (Adam is taken to the operating room – cut and end; the lady surgeon comes up to the parents – cut and end; alternatively, Adam dies – cut and end), but the happy ending won out. And why not, if the film wants us to relate to the main character in some way, then if we were to die in the operation, we'd have a whole different set of problems, whereas by surviving it, our lives begin anew. I'll change my rating when they diagnose me with cancer. After all, my melanomas do move a little strangely at times. Keep in touch. (05/27/2012)

Stumbling upon an American film about a serious illness and not being flooded by melodrama is such a remarkable event that it deserves proper recognition. The screenplay was excellent in how it managed to weave a fairly down-to-earth story with a decent dose of humor against the backdrop of drama (sometimes tragedy), allowing me to have an exceptionally good time. Moreover, I could easily relate to the main character because even though my situation is different in terms of diagnosis, the reactions of those around me were unfortunately very similar. Even today, I react extremely irritably to certain words, phrases, or expressions because a person can only handle a certain amount of empty words, which are seen as suitable for a specific situation. I just wish the ending was a bit more realistic. / Lesson learned: If you try, everything will be like it used to be. - Oh, come on! Be realistic. (05/08/2022)

A movie about life, about everyday reality, problems that need solving and about not surrendering life like it’s some stupid game of tag. 50/50 is a great movie, a brutal tear-jerker, but it was very pleasant to watch. Especially because of the actors who were being just the way I want to know them; being true to themselves and distinctive. Everything in this movie was the right fit and once again, I was able to watch a movie that results in a tremendous joy of life. And that’ll really lift your spirits… (11/15/2012)

Breaking with tradition, I will begin my comment about a good film by not recommending it. I don’t recommend watching 50/50 on a train. I watched in on the train and I was quietly tearing up by the end, having a hard time not to start sobbing in front of the other passengers. That would have embarrassing :-D. But about the film – very good. Joseph Gordon-Levitt confirms his quality as an actor, but I feel a little sorry for Bryce Dallas Howard, who this year has played an insufferable asshole in already two Oscar hopefuls and I think I will have her forever typecast in that character. The film parades a lot of emotions, from sadness to happiness and joy, it feels natural and sincere, without any award baiting cynicism. If it cut at the strongest moment right before the ending, I would go for five stars. I won’t say the ending ruins the very positive impression, but it does reduce it. Unfortunately. Ambiguity would be fitting for a film called 50/50. (12/02/2011)