FIRST LOOK: Jonathan Levine's Warm Bodies

REVIEW: 50/50

50/50, tells the story of Adam (Levitt) who is a young man in the prime of his life and discovers he has cancer. His best friend Kyle (Rogen) helps him through this tough time while he also seeks comfort from an even younger therapist (Kendrick). This is actually based on Seth Rogen's friend Will who was a co-worker/friend when Seth worked as a writer on The Ali G Show. Will was brave enough to put his story to pen writing the film's screenplay. It's an intense journey and was well worth the wait.

I went into this film expecting a little more humor but considering the serious subject matter it didn't really matter. Joseph Gordon Levitt knocked it out of the park I'd be shocked if he didn't get some awards consideration. James McAvoy must be kicking himself knowing that he walked away from the role. Anna Kendrick plays a character a little more sexier than previous roles which was nice to see. Kendrick is a great actress but has down played her looks in films like Rocket Science and Up In The Air. She does play realistic female roles adding her own personality and here is no exception. Giving enough frailty and humanity to a usually two dimensional part. Rogen was his humorous-self giving the film the comic relief it needed and the right amount. In a surprising turn, Angelina Huston (Adam's mother) was able to steal a few scenes of her own. Director Jonathan Levine has made a great drama/comedy with cancer being the main plot point. A lot of people are going to be scared off by the premise alone but it was one of the better films I've seen during the year. It's worth seeing but understand it's not a straight up comedy, there are lots of euphoric and serious moments but are laughs mixed in as well.


B+

Analeigh Tipton Joins Warm Bodies

Variety reports Analeigh Tipton (Crazy Stupid Love) has joined Jonathan Levine's (50/50, The Wackness) Warm Bodies along with Dave Franco (Superbad, 21 Jump Street) and Cory Hardrict (Battle: Los Angeles). They join Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, Rob Cordry and John Malkovich (in talks).

Tipton gave an impressive performance in Crazy Stupid Love, somewhat stealing some of the heat from Emma Stone. So I'm all for seeing her in more high profile roles.

Teresa Palmer Joins Jonathan Levine's Warm Bodies

Variety reports a few additions to Jonathan Levine's (The Wackness, 50/50) adaptation of Isaac Marion's Warm Bodies. The zombie comedy stars Nicholas Hoult (Jack The Giant Killer, X-Men First Class) alongside him will be Australian actress Teresa Palmer (Take Me Home Tonight) and Rob Corddry (Hot Tub Time Machine). John Malkovich is talks for the role of the film's villain. Palmer and Hoult are also starring together in Mad Max: Fury Road, which has Tom Hardy in the role of Max.

Nicholas Hoult To Star In Jonathan Levine's Warm Bodies

A press release has gone out that Nicholas Hoult (Jack The Giant Killer, X-Men First Class) has been cast in Jonathan Levine's Warm Bodies. Based on the novel by Isaac Marion it focuses on a zombie who falls for a victim's girlfriend.

Levine is best known for his indie hit The Wackness along with the controversial cancer comedy 50/50 (Joesph Gordon-Levitt & Seth Rogen). Yet he also has a background in horror with the still unreleased All The Boys Love Mandy Lane.

Jonathan Levine To Direct Little Girl Lost

TheWarp reports Jonathan Levine (Wackness, Mandy Lane) will direct the Little Girl Lost for Universal. The film-noir is based on the pulp novel by Richard Aleas and will be adapted by Michael Becall (Scott Pilgrim). Levine just finished filming the cancer based comedy Live With It (I’m With Cancer) starring Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bryce Dallas Howard. He is also attached to direct the adaptation of the zombie romance novel Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion.