Laura was given movie tickets from the Livestrong foundation for us to check out a "sneak preview" of the film 50/50. We had a great time that evening in downtown Denver and I wanted to share my review.
Although hilarious, touching and light-heartedness occurred throughout, the film left a lot to be desired. There was such rich potential, given the magnitude of circumstances the characters were going through, that this should have been much more than another "touching, but funny, good movie". The performances by Seth Rogan who played Adam's best friend and Anjelica Huston who played Adam's Mother, Diane were quite funny. Coming out of theater we both enjoyed the film and thought back positively on the many funny and and occasional poignant scenes.
Gordon-Levitt did a good job portraying the sullenness of someone who is delivered such a heavy hand, but it would have been refreshing to see some real growth in his character. Instead we saw what he was going through and the effects of life altering news, but there was little focus on any inner dialogue that goes along with this trip. Perhaps it was Seth Rogan's unmistakable silly nature which complemented, but also detracted from the movie becoming anything more than a comedy in the cloak of a drama.
The ending was a let down. It made me wonder if there was some kind of time table for how quickly this movie had to end. It was too happy path and reeked like month old Parmesan. I find it common nowadays to see movies with so much vested in them, and great potential, which deliver mediocre plots, and blase endings.
There is a lot to be gained from hard times. Some of our best teachers are things that make us fearful, insecure or angry. While humor is a necessary and wonderful tool for dealing with pain and suffering, this movie shows Hollywood's infatuation of avoiding mindfulness and missing opportunities for displaying human growth in difficult times. Though don't mistake this for an indication of ticket sales...
No comments:
Post a Comment