Page 24 THE VILLADOM TIMES I & II • October 12, 2011 Outstanding performances make ‘50/50’ a successful film by Dennis Seuling There is an ample supply of material for comedy movies: romantic relationships, the workplace, social climbing, boy/ man antics, and spoofs. Hollywood has mined these sources again and again over the years with varying degrees of success, but it’s rare when a movie tackles a difficult subject, as in “50/50.” A variation on the male buddy film, “50/50” deals with a serious issue rather than post-adolescent hijinks, yet manages to incorporate lots of laughs along the way. Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Kyle (Seth Rogen) have been close friends since junior high school. They know each other inside out and seem perfect complements for one another: Kyle is loud, says whatever is on his mind no matter whom it might offend, and is expert in the pursuit of hedonistic pleasures. Adam, in contrast, is quiet, thoughtful, and fairly accepting of the hand life deals him. His girlfriend, Rachael (Bryce Dallas Howard), appears more interested in herself than in the two of them, but he doesn’t see any reason to complain. Adam does eventually complain of persistent back pain and sees a doctor, but in no way expects the diagnosis he receives. He has cancer. Devastated but stoic, Adam attempts to deal with the reality of his future. He checks Internet statistics and discovers that, with treatment, he faces a 50 percent survival rate. He will have chemotherapy and is advised to see a social worker to help him get through the tough times. Viewers see Adam go through treatment, meet a very young, inexperienced social worker/therapist (Anna Kendrick), and cope with an overly protective mother (Anjelica Huston), while receiving Kyle’s sometimes questionable support. The chemistry between Gordon-Levitt and Rogen is very natural. It’s easy to believe these guys are practically life-long pals who confide in each other about everything. There is no trace of artifice between them. Gordon-Levitt is far better in intimate movies like this and “500 Days of Summer” and “The Lookout” than he is in extravaganzas like “Inception,” where he gets lost among a high concept, famous stars, and flashy special effects. He is an extremely expressive actor whose emotions are transmitted in crystal clear fashion. In each of his smaller films, viewers get to look into his character’s soul. Rogen has etched a place for himself in movies as a comical sidekick or funny, awkward leading man. Here, he provides balance for a movie that might otherwise be tough to take. Adam’s cancer is never minimized. Rather, Kyle finds ways to cheer his friend and prevent him from falling into deep depression. Rogen is believable and portrays Kyle as a good, supportive friend. Less effective is the sub-plot involving Adam and his Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, left) and Kyle (Seth Rogen) are long-time friends who must come to terms with a serious illness in ‘50/50.’ therapist, Katherine. Kendrick looks as if she’s 18 -- far too young to be in such a responsible position. Though the script plays her youth up as a plot point, it seems awfully contrived in Will Reiser’s otherwise well-crafted script. She is a charming, likable actress, but the scenes between Adam and Katherine hark back to a typical Hollywood formula. Viewers see it coming, and it proves to be the single element hurting the movie. Huston is excellent as Adam’s mother, despite having little to do other than overreact, snap at medical personnel, and generally serve as a stereotypical smothering parent. One scene shines. Mother and son are sitting in a hospital waiting room. Adam opens up to his mom just a little and (continued on Crossword page)