50/50

One of the better movies I've watched these few months, 50/50 is both touching and funny at the same time, which made me laugh (some parts were hilarious) and cry, in a good way. I wouldn't mind watching it again.

(Loosely) based on the life of screenwriter Will Reiser, the story tells of Adam Learner (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who is diagnosed with a rare cancer (involving his back) and has a 50/50 chance of survival. His girlfriend couldn't handle it and leaves. His buddy, Kyle (Seth Rogen), hangs around, goading him to do stuff, and sometimes seems irritating, as if making use of his illness to hit on girls. But it's not true, he cares and sticks around like a true friend. He actually buys a self-help book on how to walk the path with Adam. Maybe that's how he copes with it and behaves as he normally would, maybe as a way to say, things can still be the same. Maybe it's hope. Then there's the cute counsellor whom he falls for, and finally asks out when he has a successful operation.

It's good, exploring how to react and communicate with people with cancer. Incidentally, a friend had shared an article on "How To Talk To Someone With Cancer". I think most of us will be at a loss when faced with something like this. It can be confusing, emotional, awkward, etc., but we should remember to be a friend. Personally, I wouldn't know what to say to the person if I were told something like that; I think I would most likely just hug the person first and see how we can move from there.
Some of the really funny parts include the part when he was high on weed after his first chemo, then also the times with his buddy. Then there were the times spent with the counselor (e.g. the 'hand pat' and 'cleaning out her car').

And I really like Joseph Gordon-Levitt...so cute. From Third Rock from the Sun, to 500 Days of Summer, and then now 50/50 (hmm...these shows all full of numbers). He was in Inception too, but as a supporting actor. Maybe I should hunt for Third Rock to watch.