It isn't every day you see something this deep still make you laugh on occasion.

Rating: 9/10 (21 December 2011)

The movie is something of a wonder. A touching, perfectly balanced dramatic comedy with few missteps. It's also something of a personal story for screenwriter Will Reiser. In fact, the script is actually a sort of autobiographical story. He was diagnosed with cancer in his 20's before recovering, and this lead him to write the script to this movie.
And this turns out to be the absolute highlight of 50/50. All of Reiser's characters are believably fleshed out, his pacing is completely confidant, and the movie is occasionally quite funny. But just because you see Seth Rogen's name in the credits, don't assume you'll see something completely hysterical. Reiser establishes a very deep, solemn tone that sometimes borders on depressing, but also knows when to pull back with some most welcome lightheartedness without undermining the serious issues the movie is trying to develop.
And as for the cast, there's not a bad performance to be found. I can do nothing but sing their praises all day. Joseph Gordon-Levitt gives a tremendous, emotionally devastating performance that reveals an ever growing sadness as layers are peeled back. Seth Rogen provides the film with appropriate doses of comic relief while still keeping to the consistency of the film's dramatic tone. Bryce Dallas Howard and Angelica Huston shine wonderfully in their supporting roles. And then we get down to Anna Kendrick. I think that the film kind of played up her naivety in the film's first half a bit much, but I still couldn't help but be charmed by her sincere presence.
I'm also really glad to see this one getting some awards traction. An Oscar nod for Original Screenplay had better be coming.
***1/2 out of ****