50/50 Is a Pretty Good Way to Describe My Reaction to This Movie -- Half Liked It, Half Didn't

Rating: 6/10 (2 May 2012)

"50/50" was marketed as a buddy movie, but those going into it with that expectation are bound to be disappointed.
Seth Rogen does play best friend to Joseph Gordon-Levitt, a young man who's diagnosed with a rare and vicious type of cancer, but he has relatively little screen time and the film isn't about their relationship. Rather, it's about Gordon-Levitt's life and attitudes in general post-diagnosis, and the effect the possibility of his impending mortality has on his love life, relationship with his mother (Anjelica Huston), etc. I'm actually glad it steered clear of many of the "young-person-dying" clichés that can make movies like this so dreary. But it's not an entirely successful movie either, aiming for a black comedy that the screenplay doesn't pull off. In fact, the writing is the film's biggest problem; too many scenes feel too implausible, and while I don't necessarily relish wallowing in grimness for grimness' sake, the ending felt entirely too happy and pat to be believable.
On the other hand, the movie has some strong things to recommend it, notably the performances of Gordon-Levitt, one of the most talented and underrated young actors currently working, and Anna Kendrick, who delivers a sparkling turn as Gordon-Levitt's therapist.
Grade: B