50/50

Though 50/50 isn't a full on bromance, there's enough in the story of the friendship between cancer sufferer Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Kyle (Seth Rogen) for men in the audience to be nodding in appreciation of the machinations of male buddyness and mentally preparing for the next night out with the lads. It's not surprising it's so authentic though when you consider that the story is based on (screenplay writer's) Will Reiser's own battle with cancer and his real life mate at the time, a certain S Rogen, esq. However, though their relationship is the main crux of the film, Reiser's screenplay is more wide ranging than just that as it also touches on Adam's relationship with his girlfriend (Bryce Dallas Howard), his psychologist (Anna Kendrick), his parents (Anjelica Huston and Serge Houde) and other cancer sufferers (Philip Baker Hall and Matt Frewer). That sounds like a lot of ingredients thrown into the mix, but Reiser gets the balance just right, though it is to the detriment of director Jonathan Levine. Levine showed some nice touches a few years ago in The Wackness, but has little to do here besides say "Action" and "Cut" (though in fairness to him, it's the right approach to take). In front of the camera it's Gordon-Levitt (in as a last minute replacement for James McAvoy, who departed for family reasons) who takes on the main emotional baggage throughout and he does it using that usual hangdog expression of his. Though when it comes to the crunch he turns it up a gear, including a moment of screaming frustration that must have meant the sucking of some throat pastels afterwards and in a scene towards the end of the film when Adam is quickly whisked off for surgery (with a chance he may not return) his fear and bewilderment is heart breaking to witness. It's Rogen though who steals the picture. Usually his crude antics can get grate quite quickly but here, whether he's drawing from his experience with Reiser or not, he's a laugh from start to finish and the care Kyle shows for Adam, particularly through some more serious moments, shows depths Rogen has tried but failed to find in previous films. Dallas Howard also scores points as the manipulative girlfriend and Huston is great as Adam's overbearing but, crucially, still likeable mother. Less successful is Kendrick saddled with a barely believable part as Adam's inexperienced psychologist and Baker Hall and Frewer are little more than ciphers. The main message that comes across from Reiser's script is just how matter of fact having such a disease can be when it comes to dealing with medical establishments. There's no sugar coating, just cold hard facts about what lies ahead. It's hats off then to Reiser, Levine, Gordon-Levitt and Rogen then that such a delicate and emotive subject matter can be portrayed in such a warm and heartening manner.

The OC Film Sting Final Verdict
A darkly funny but mature look at life and friendships during tough times. Top marks going to both Rogen and Reiser. Rating: 8/10.