"It takes a pair to beat the odds"

Rating: 8/10 (27 November 2011)

Inspired by a true story, a comedy centered on a 27-year-old guy who learns of his cancer diagnosis, and his subsequent struggle to beat the disease.
When I heard of this film (more so of the fantastically done trailer) I had more expectations every news it gave out. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is surely an underrated actor who plays in favorites such as Inception or (500) Days of Summer. With him (and the pairing of Seth Rogan; also a great actor) the expectations arise more than expected. I sat down, alone, and had some great experience because I can say that 50/50 deserves it's 8.4. The film starts of like an average raunchy comedy. Don't worry, it ends soon after and develops into a greatly combination of comedy and drama. Prepare yourself for great acting, nicely shot scenes, and unexpected emotion. Let's start with the acting, shall we? The acting was great. People respect (as do I, more so) Joseph more and more every film he stars in. His acting was applause-worthy and was seriously the shining star. Examples: the car breakdown scene or the surgery scene. Seth Rogan also did a great job. I sure am disappointed that every film he is in he is the same old stoner, but in this film, it works. He starts of like a horrible friend but the moment Adam finds a cancer book in the bathroom, you understand more of him and start to care for their friendship. Friendship was undertone message soaring throughout, and surely was great. Everybody else was great in the film too, and I think of no complaints revolving around the acting. The scenes were nicely shot and the film (although somewhat of a low-budget) did quite a good job providing this factor. This 3rd film by the rising director has so much potential for later projects, and I am sure to follow. Although making this film sound great, it does have it's flaws. Fortunately, they are pretty 'undertone' and surely won't disrupt your enjoyment. I hated the silent father if that counts, but thankfully he isn't used to much in the context. So with all this neatly combined, I surely say go see it! It won't disappoint, expected, and will surely make you feel-good after, expected. 50/50, despite it's undertone flaws, gets a 8/10.