Part Comedy, Part Tear Jerker, Part Buddy Film That Works on All Levels

Rating: 8/10 (2 May 2012)

A complex ball of emotion that fits snugly into the confused mental state of a fresh cancer diagnosee and his confidants. It's an unusual setting for a comedy, which leads to a few situations where it feels like we should ask permission to laugh, but that plays into the central theme that there's no right or wrong way to deal with something so complicated. It's not wall-to-wall laughs, either, which would give the impression that it's taking the subject too lightly. Seth Rogan plays his typical role excellently, the wise-cracking frat boy facsimile everybody seems to know, while Joseph Gordon-Levitt balances him out with a harsh dose of sarcasm cut with grim reality. It's sneakily effective about investing us in the cast, and by the time the end rolls around they're almost family. A bit formulaic and weepy at times, neither are quite excessive enough to incite accusations of being a closet chick flick, and it's often ready with a firm punchline just when it's needed.