50/50

Recent excursions to the movies always seem to be a series of unfortunate events (HA!). Following constant average-to-poor (and expensive!) viewings, I have lost hope. It was utter carnage; either my ability in choosing decent movies semi-permanently impaired, or movies have just declined in quality. Needless to say, I was in dire need of some movie magic.

After last month’s disappointing visit to see “We have to talk about Kevin” at Everyman, I did not have high hopes for my monthly visit to Odeon to see 50/50. Well, it turned out to be fantastic – to say the least, I was blown away.

50/50 could have easily been too sentimental, too sappy, or too melodramatic; but honestly, it was light-hearted, sobering and realistic. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me laugh and cry, at the same time. Based on a true story, it was not only sobering but truly inspiring, without being banal. Joseph Gordon-Levitt completely, and utterly delivers his witty one-liners with style and more (I’m in love with him). Gordon-Levitt and Rogen together makes the film wildly entertaining from start to finish.

The movie portrays Adam (Gordon-Levitt) dealing spinal cancer with 50/50 chance of absolute recovery. Paired with his loud-mouthed obnoxious best-friend, he attempts to tackle life with the “best odds if he was a casino game”. Together with equally winning performances from the fantastic cast, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard and Angelica Houson, 50/50 is unpredictable, and head-spinningly amusing.

Without doubt, one of my favourite movies this year, and definitely worth a quickie trip to the cinema.