Oscar Snub: 50/50

  An otherwise healthy twentysomething has a comically early midlife crisis when he gets slapped with a cancer diagnosis -- and a 50-50 chance of survival. But what's the meaning of life when you're not sure how long yours will last?
  I think it's outrageous this movie was not nominated for an Oscar, whether it was for the screenplay, acting, or even best picture. It deserved a place somewhere. Every since I saw the trailer last August before viewing another movie I have been looking forward to seeing it. Very few movies stir emotion in me, but even fewer movies have me wanting to cry. When I say 'want' I actually mean that. The movie stirred such good feelings you want to cry just to express it in some way. 
  If you've listened to any interviews about the movie then you probably know the backstory, meaning you've also guessed how the movie will end. If not then I will try to not spoil it.  I think one of the reasons this movie did so badly at the box office was because of two things. One being that people thought this would be a sad movie, and it's not. This movie isn't supposed to the be the typical sad tale about cancer. It's actually a lot more realistic approach than what I've seen in other movies. Another thing is that I thought maybe with Seth Rogen's appearance in the movie people would assume it was going to have an amount of vulgarness to it, which it does, but I didn't think it overwhelmed the movie. Considering these two are guys I found the vulgar conversations very realistic. From what I've heard about guys when they get around each other they do discuss what the women in their lives are doing, and not doing for them in the bedroom.  Not that that is every guy, but it's pretty standard conversation for a guy. 
   This movie is a beautiful approach to telling a story though. The chemistry in the movie between the characters is remarkable. There are these little surprises sprinkled throughout that redeems certain characters just when you were beginning to think there was no hope for them. I could also feel what Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character was going through. The atmosphere, and mood were perfect. I loved how everything played out for him. Though Seth Rogen's character could easily be classified as unlikable there is one moment in the movie that defines why him, and the other guy are friends despite his imperfections in their friendship. 50/50 has a great message about how we relate to others, and you can tell there was particular attention given to the interactions between the characters. If nothing else can be said, Levitt needed an acting nomination for this movie! I wanted to give him a hug all the way throughout the movie. 
  I personally enjoy movies that are all about living. It isn't about relationships, competition, drama, or whatever else it is that drives movies. It is simply about coming to terms with the path that life is taking us on, and grasping the opportunities that are given when they come no matter what circumstances we are currently in. This movie will find a place amongst my very small movie collection. I am shocked it didn't get an Oscar considering the other movies I've watched that I know did. You can check out 50/50 at Amazon.