'50/50' Is a Good Bet

Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Adam, a 27-year-old man who has his whole life ahead of him until he discovers he has a rare form of cancer and only a 50/50 chance of survival.

The people in Adam's life react differently to the news. His girlfriend, played by Bryce Dallas Howard, pledges to stand by him, then dumps him. His mother, Anjelica Huston, goes into smothering mode and his best friend, Kyle, played by Seth Rogen, tries to keep his spirits up by turning his life into a non-stop party.

Rogen co-produces "50/50," a movie based loosely in part on the life of Rogen's good friend Will Reiser. Reiser, a screenwriter, beat cancer a few years back.

"50/50" is a comedy. But it is never disrespectful. The fact of the matter is we are all dying. Cancer, ailment, accident, old age, whatever -- the end result will be death. "50/50" helps us face our mortality with reality. Will you live the rest of your life in tears or in laughter?

The flick-o-meter gives "50/50" a good four out of five. I liked the film. The director, Jonathan Levine, did a fine job and the acting ensemble was great. The only weakness was, well, Seth Rogen. He does show some depth but his predictably loud, hard-partying buddy persona takes the edge off a film that would otherwise be the best medicine.

Location:

Showtimes for "50/50" can be found in our Smyrna-Vinings Patch at at 3101 Cobb Parkway. Daily showtimes are at 11:50 a.m., 2:15 p.m., 4:40 p.m., 7:05p.m., and 9:30 p.m.

After the Movie:

Whether you see the flick today or not, Sunday is the last day for the North Georgia State Fair at . Sunday, bring five non-perishable can good items and receive one free adult admission; bring three non-perishable can good items and receive one free student admission. From 12:30 to 2 p.m., admission and rides for students are free. Students must have a ticket distributed in school.

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