The Film
Cancer is not an easy topic to tackle. That said, it seems to be a Hollywood favorite. There are cheesy cancer films and heartfelt ones, too. Either way, the subject matter seems to evoke emotion in every viewer, whether it's sadness or fear.
The film 50/50 is certainly no different. Billed as a "cancer comedy," 50/50 will make you laugh, but also run the same gamut of emotions you've experienced before. It certainly helps that the whole thing actually happened (sort of). Writer Will Reiser based 50/50 on his true cancer tale and brought it to the big screen with real-life friend Seth Rogen, who plays second banana here.
The Reiser role is filled by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. He plays Adam Lerner, a young journalist whose life is completely turned upside down by cancer. He's also the perfect straight man to Rogen's pot-smoking (surprised?) Kyle. Besides Adam's journey, we also get to see how it effects those around him. That lineup includes Kyle, as well as girlfriend Rachael (Bryce Dallas Howard) and therapist Katie McCay (Anna Kendrick). He also has an overbearing mom (Anjelica Huston), who is pulling double-duty in the worrying department, since she also cares for her Alzheimer's-stricken husband. Rounding out the ride are two of Adam's chemo buddies (Philip Baker Hall and Matt Frewer), who amp up the bromance aspects -- and the pot antics, for that matter.
Being marketed as "from the guys who brought you Superbad" is both a blessing and a curse. It probably kept a lot of people away from the film. It's hard to think of cancer as being a funny topic. Well, it's not. That said, not everything in life -- even the life of a cancer patient -- has to be weepy. 50/50 isn't as riotous as it is real. It's also inspiring, heartbreaking and a film that shouldn't be missed.
Need a second opinion? Check out Joe Lozito's theatrical review of 50/50.
The Picture
As hard as it is to imagine a funny cancer movie, it's equally as hard to fathom a good looking cancer movie. This 1.78:1 transfer pulls it off; it's a great looking film that oozes with realism from every angle. Crystal-clear imagery is accented by the great colors here. While some of those shots may just be hospital halls, there's also plenty of outdoor scenes with lush scenery, as well as a very detailed couch and matching pillows in Dr. McCay's office. Facial features and tones are also especially nice. Because of the subject matter, this isn't going to be the one that you grab for a demo, but expect to be delighted nonetheless.
The Sound
Dialogue is the main focus in this DTS-HD Master Audio track. It's good, but there are plenty of moments that allow the surrounds to shine. The outdoors, bar scenes and music offer some power to an otherwise mellow track. However, the most memorable moment has to be when Adam first gets his diagnosis. The piercing tone that blocks out all other sound, while the news sinks in, packs the punch that elevates this track above just another average audio presentation.
The Extras
Summit has included a good amount of extras with 50/50. There are deleted scenes and a closer peek at the scene where Adam and Kyle trash Rachael's painting. The bulk of what's here, however, revolves around the film's real-life inspiration. The film is based on the experiences of writer Will Reiser, so it's nice to see him get some of the spotlight.
"The Story of 50/50" is less the actual story of the movie, and more about cancer in general. This short featurette includes a lot of the film's cast and crew talking a little about the movie, but also about their own experiences with cancer. Of course, there are also scenes from the movie mixed in between. There are also four short anecdotes about Reiser's experiences in "Life Inspires Art."
The gem of the lot, however, is the audio commentary, which includes Seth Rogen, writer Will Reiser, director Jonathan Levine, and producer Ben Karlin and Evan Goldberg. The track is filled with anecdotes (Reiser was offered a job with The Daily Show the day he got his diagnosis!), as well as actual tidbits about the film's production, inside jokes and other laughs.
Final Thoughts
Cancer is a painful, scary subject -- one that 50/50 portrays beautifully. It manages to hit all of the right notes, whether those are sad, happy, stoney, or otherwise. The Blu-ray is an equal triumph, with a wonderfully realistic image and audio to match. It's hard to imagine that anyone would use 50/50 as demo material, given the subject matter. That said, it's one you'll want to pick up.
Product Details
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