One of my goals for the mid-year break was to finally attack the growing list of movies and TV shows on my watchlist. Going through the 400+ list I realised that there was one movie in particular that I never got around to watching. Maybe it was because it wasn’t a Hollywood blockbuster with all the bells and whistles and I didn’t know whether I would like the particular comedic style of the film. Asking my brother, he said he couldn’t really remember it but thought it was more of a “guy film” and might be a bit crude for my liking. Disregarding his comments, I thought “what the hell” and put it on.

And boy was I glad I decided to watch it. ’50/50′ is the most surprising, touching and warm-hearted 90 minutes of film I’ve ever enjoyed. Certainly not a typical “guys movie” as I was misled to believe, the film which is based on a true story, centers around 27 year old Adam who is told he has very aggressive spinal cancer. Screenwriter Will Reiser penned his own experience with the encouragement of his good friend Seth Rogen (who also stars in the film).

Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s performance is truly the standout of the film; his ability to portray Adam’s emotional roller coaster ride and the daily struggles he faces is remarkable. The film approaches the delicate issue in a comedic way as Adam’s best friend Kyle (Seth Rogen) believes his cancer could work as a pick-up line. The comedy continues with Adam’s sessions with the young psychologist Katherine (Anna Kendrick) who admits Adam is her third ever patient. Anjelica Houston perfectly portrays Adam’s mother who is struggling to care for her dementia-ridden husband, and now her son.

The film finds the perfect balance between comedy and tear-jerking moments through a clear lens that can only come with Reiser’s own experience. This perspective means that it connects with the 20-something audience who can relate to Adam’s lifestyle, forcing them to consider just how different their life would be if they were in the same position. The message that ‘life is too short to not do what you want’ is portrayed as the experience forces Adam to reevaluate his own happiness; where the diagnosis actually provides an opportunity to change his life for the better.

Between laughing out loud at Adam and Kyle’s antics, to having tears stream down my face, this film exceeded beyond my expectations – their odds are definitely in their favour.