Affective drama; Gordon-Levitt excels

Rating: Null/10 (18 October 2011)

50/50 (2011) *** Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard, Anjelica Huston, Philip Baker Hall, Matt Frewer, Serge Houde. Affective dramedy about a young Seattle radio new producer (Gordon-Levitt in low-key yet highly empathic turn) whose sudden diagnoses of life-threatening cancer (hence the title's chances of survival) depicts his coping with the help of his best bud (Rogen, for once not being a total douche), his worry-wart mom (the always welcome Huston); his artist girlfriend who may not have his best interests at heart (Howard working it); and his green shrink (the plucky Kendrick). Based on screenwriter Will Reiser's real-life account in this semi-autobiographical depiction – and his friendship with Rogen adds to the verisimilitude – the film works on all accounts thanks largely to the even-handed direction by Jonathan Levine in mixing pathos with humor sprinkled liberally (best bit: Gordon-Levitt's wide-eye discovery of just how committed Rogen is to his plight: finding his bathroom reading material : a book on couples' coping with cancer together!) Inspiring and heartfelt.