50/50 (2011)
directed by Jonathan Levine; starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anna Kendricks

Saw this yesterday! Overall, I’d say it was smart and extremely touching. The reflection of Seth Rogen & company’s (it’s based on life of its screenwriter, Will Reiser) personal journey is very evident in the film. Probably why everyone in the theatre cried, too.

In interviews I’ve read, Seth has discussed how particular humorous scenes in the film (such as shaving his friend’s head) were extremely difficult and upsetting incidents in real life, and humor became his and his friend Will’s (Adam, in the film) method of dealing with it. The quality of the filmmaking here shows in that the humor does shine through, without at all compromising the reality and emotional weight of these moments.

And while they got less screen time, the actors who played Adam’s (J G-L) parents were outstanding. Adam’s father has Alzheimer’s, and Mrs. Lerner’s (Oscar-winner Anjelica Juston) struggle with a husband who can’t communicate with her, and a child sick and angry in his fight with cancer, is devastating to watch.

Between 50/50 and Drive, my movie dollars this year have been surprisingly well-spent. Go see this one.