50/50
Dir: Jonathan Levine
2011
****
A Hollywood movie about Cancer that doesn't intentionally pull at the heartstrings to win awards, 50/50 is a very welcome relief. It actually handles the subject matter very well, even though many of us have been effected by cancer, it's still very much a taboo subject - certainly one that is avoided in conversation. I actually work for a cancer charity and I can faithfully say that this is a welcome film. It is an emotional film, very sad at times but the humour is a welcome inclusion that is never in bad taste and is used sparingly. Okay, so it's not sugar-coated but it is slightly sweetened for entertainment purposes but I would argue it is better for it. The actors all do a great job, Seth Rogan being a friend of the guy the story is based on helped in that respect and it shows. Well worth checking out. On another note, Matt Frewer - please bring back Max Headroom!