50/50 [Blu-ray] [2011]

You’re in a job you like, in denial about your struggling relationship, and you’re not particularly close to your parents as your father is suffering from Alzheimer’s and your mother is so much more emotional than you are that it’s difficult to carry on a conversation with her. Then you get the news that changes your whole life. Is that the makings of a comedy? Will Reiser thought so and it’s inspired by his life. Adam Lerner (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a producer for public television whose live-in girlfriend Rachael (played by Bryce Dallas Howard) is a struggling artist. While they were not talking about it, it appears a break-up is inevitable. Adam’s best friend Kyle (played by Seth Rogen) is urging him towards the door but Adam is unconvinced. Then, during a doctor’s appointment he made to resolve back pains that wouldn’t go away, he’s given the news. He has a tumor on his spine and if he doesn’t subject himself to chemotherapy and then surgery, he’ll die. Kyle (Rogen) is determined to keep his friend in a positive mindset. Rachael (Howard) is given an out but doesn’t take it and decides, instead, to remain with Adam and is supportive, at least at first. Meanwhile, his insurance also covers visits to a psychologist. That ends up being something of a double-edged sword as the in-house psychologist, Katherine McKay (played by Anna Kendrick), is very inexperienced. This is the second film in just over two years to feature a comedic take on a serious illness and Seth Rogen in a significant role. The first being 2009’s Funny People with Adam Sandler. Having seen both, I can say unequivocally that 50/50 is not just a better film, but a great film. There are solid performances from all the cast, an interesting story and a satisfying conclusion that doesn’t appear too good to be true. See this immediately.

You’re in a job you like, in denial about your struggling relationship, and you’re not particularly close to your parents as your father is suffering from Alzheimer’s and your mother is so much more emotional than you are that it’s difficult to carry on a conversation with her. Then you get the news that changes your whole life. Is that the makings of a comedy? Will Reiser thought so and it’s inspired by his life. Adam Lerner (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a producer for public television whose live-in girlfriend Rachael (played by Bryce Dallas Howard) is a struggling artist. While they were not talking about it, it appears a break-up is inevitable. Adam’s best friend Kyle (played by Seth Rogen) is urging him towards the door but Adam is unconvinced. Then, during a doctor’s appointment he made to resolve back pains that wouldn’t go away, he’s given the news. He has a tumor on his spine and if he doesn’t subject himself to chemotherapy and then surgery, he’ll die. Kyle (Rogen) is determined to keep his friend in a positive mindset. Rachael (Howard) is given an out but doesn’t take it and decides, instead, to remain with Adam and is supportive, at least at first. Meanwhile, his insurance also covers visits to a psychologist. That ends up being something of a double-edged sword as the in-house psychologist, Katherine McKay (played by Anna Kendrick), is very inexperienced. This is the second film in just over two years to feature a comedic take on a serious illness and Seth Rogen in a significant role. The first being 2009’s Funny People with Adam Sandler. Having seen both, I can say unequivocally that 50/50 is not just a better film, but a great film. There are solid performances from all the cast, an interesting story and a satisfying conclusion that doesn’t appear too good to be true. See this immediately.

I went to see this in the movies not knowing what to expect because my friend wanted to see it. I was surprised by what a great movie this was. Top notch acting and story line. I'm not the biggest Seth Rogan fan, but I think he nailed the role and it is one of the best performances by JGL. This is also a movie that will make you laugh and cry all at once the perfect mix. It is definitely for more mature audiences due to the adult scenes and humor. But overall a top notch movie and in my opinion the best movie of 2011.

I remember wanting to see this movie when it hit the theaters, but I didn't have the chance. It didn't seem to get a lot of hype at the time, but Joseph Gordon-Levitt is one of my favorite actors, so I had to check the movie out once it was on DVD. It's such a great little film. If you're looking for a heartfelt story with some humor sprinkled in, this movie is for you.

I enjoyed this movie more than I had expected. While there is ample humor it is the dramatic aspects that really get to you. There aren't completely good or bad people -- although the girlfriend gets close to being a really bad person -- so you get a fuller idea of who each person truly is. This feels like a true story type of movie, but I don't know if it is.

This movie was better then i was expecting it to be ... its about dealing with cancer and the struggles of life with a twist of humor and a hidden love story ... i also thought it would be like watching 'funny people' again but this is a much better movie ... and is not just a chick flick ... its for sure, a must see movie!.

This movie can enlighten most viewers if your looking for it. Entertaining and funny during adverse times. Characters execute well. Definitely worth checking out!

Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen are perfect in this movie. This movie is both funny and sad at times, but wow, it is a great movie.