Phil sees 50/50 at the Camera 12 Downtown San Jose-November 4, 2011

Hello and welcome back to my massive movie binge weekend! So for the second film of the night I saw at the Camera 12 was the comedy/drama 50/50, which to my surprise was a really touching and funny movie about a very serious topic.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2011)

Inspired by a true story, Joesph Gordon-Levitt portrays Adam, a twenty-seven year old radio program writer who is diagnosed with a rare form of spinal cancer. If that wasn't bad enough, his best friend Kyle (Seth Rogen) catches his supportive girlfriend Rachael (Bruce Dallas Howard) cheating on him, as well as contend with his overprotective mother Diane (Anjelica Huston). He is recommended to see a psychiatrist named Katherine (Anne Kendrick) who helps him to deal with his cancer. When the big day of the operation, he reflects on what is important to him and what if he doesn't survive.

While the film has it's funny moments, it treats its subject matter with respect and integrity. Adam's reaction to his diagnosis is genuine and realistic, giving the film a level of credibility. Kyle's plan to use Adam's cancer to help get laid is only a cover for his fear of losing his best friend. His mother has to worry about her son, but take care of her husband, who has Alzheimer's. When Rachael is discovered cheating, Kyle helps Adam take out his anger while destroying a painting she made for him. The relationship between Adam and Katherine starts of as patient/doctor scenario, but it obviously grows into something more.

Director Jonathan Levine keeps the film well balanced, not too funny and not too sappy. Levine's previous film THE WACKNESS was one of my favorite films of 2008. With his film, he continues with entertaining audiences while simultaneously telling stories of human interests.

50/50 is a touching, funny, emotionally-filled film that movie audiences can relate to. This a heartfelt film that should get a Oscar nomination nod, but knowing Hollywood, it may be looked over. Hopefully you, my faithful readers, will go check it out and tell your friends about it. Highly recommended!!

50/50 is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in the South Bay. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!