50/50

Cancer is just a horrible aspect of life. It is not only hurtful to the person, but to everyone involved as well. It can be both a life-changing experience for the positive and negative. 50/50 tries to take a realistic and comedic tone to cancer that not only is warm and emotional, but also really funny.

The acting is the strongest aspect of the movie. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is amazing. Funny and likable. His reactions towards his cancer from beginning and forward ring very true and you feel for the guy. His relationship with Seth Rogen is the strongest bond in the film. Great chemistry and true friendship shines through thanks to the great performances from Rogen and Levitt. The supporting cast featuring Kendrick, Huston, and Dallas Howard are also very strong. The script is very well-written with a surprisingly funny look at a cancer patient and their outlook on life. The comedy works and it gets very funny at points mostly thanks to Rogen. It also balances very well with the dramatic elements and it gets sad at points to the point where I was trying to hold back tears.

Plot (10/10): The story is is very well-written and it doesn't get melodramatic or crude. A great balance of true emotion and genuine laughs.

Acting (10/10): Levitt is amazing. Extremely likable and fragile while maintaining a sense of humor. Rogen showcased one of his strongest performances.

Comedy (9/10): It surprised me how funny this movie was. Plenty of funny jokes that don't feel forced, too crude, or offensive.

Direction (9/10): Great cinematography and well-paced.

Eye Candy (9/10): Bryce Dallas Howard was an artsy hottie. Anna Kendrick is a cutie.

Overall, it is a genuine look at how cancer can be a life-altering experience for both the better and worse. Definite watch if you have a personal connection to the movie as well as it speaks volumes for those viewers.