50/50

     So, have you heard of the new film starring Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt? It's called 50/50. The film centers around the protagonist Adam (Gordon-Levitt), who is a cancer patient in his late 20's, who is dealing with his condition with the help of his sidekick, Kyle (Rogen). Although the plot deals with a depressing issue, it promises to be an exquisite giggle producer. Dark comedy can be a dangerous genre to undertake; the comedy could be done in a tacky way, the content being expressed in a comical matter could offend viewers, and the wrong lineup of players could produce a box-office massacre.
     However, I strongly doubt that is the case with 50/50. Both headlining actors have been involved with films that could be considered dark comedy. In 2009, Joseph Gordon-Levitt starred in (500) Days of Summer, a comedy about lead character Tom's pursuit of a girl he works with. Although the film would not normally be conceived as a dark comedy, when you consider the lingering feeling of reality involved with the characters' relationship, it cannot be called a romantic comedy or even just a comedy. Those genres tend to have a bubblegum ending and fairy tale expectations. Seth Rogen has appeared in a movie with a plot reminiscent of 50/50. 2009's Funny People, also took a dark comedy approach to terminal sickness. Although it had its humorous moments, I'm expecting more from 50/50.
       The film also includes such stars as Bryce Dallas Howard, Anna Kendrick, Phillip Baker Hall, and Anjelica Houston. In all, this film promises to be a warm and comical tear-jerker and I am anxious to see it!