50/50 is a film that is masterful in its own way. Walking a tightrope between uproarious comedy and devastating drama, with a story about cancer that could threaten to dip into soap-opera level melodrama or preachy-type stories who pretend to have all the answers, 50/50 is instead a sharp, affecting story of a young man coping with cancer that turns out enough charm, humor, and shocking emotional blows to fill up the screen.

The film is written by former Ali G Show producer Will Reiser, which is of note not merely because this script is one of the best of the year, but because the film is semi-autobiographical. In fact, not only did Reiser deal with cancer during his mid-20’s, but his best friend Seth Rogen was there to support him – just as in the film. It is clear that because the material so close to heart for Reiser, Rogen and director Jonathan Levine (The Wackness) it has a lot to do with the films successes.

We meet Adam Lerner (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a 27 year old who seems the last person you’d expect to get cancer. In fact, Adam is as careful as any, he exercises, doesn’t smoke, doesn’t jaywalk, oh yeah – he doesn’t even have a license because its “too dangerous.” No, Adam is an average guy, with an average job at the Seattle NPR station. He has a beautiful girlfriend, Rachael (Bryce Dallas Howard), a goofy best friend, Kyle (Seth Rogen), and an overbearing mom, Diane (Anjelica Huston). But his life is turned upside-down when he’s shockingly diagnosed with a very rare form of spinal cancer, his chance of survival: 50/50.

It is clear that Adam is in shock, no matter how many times he insists to his young therapist Katherine, played wonderfully by Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air), that he is “fine.” Joseph Gordon-Levitt perfectly captures Adam’s journey through all the obligatory stages of shock, denial, fear, etc. as he deals with the repercussions of his cancer. He’s dealing with an increasingly absent girlfriend in Rachael, who seems to be struggling with coping of the situation, his concerned mother, Diane, who is determined to take care of Adam no matter how much he tries to avoid it and numerous other terribly real problems that hit Adam hard.

So there it is, quite a lot to deal with for any 27-year old. Adam begins chemo and befriends two elderly gents who are undergoing the painful process with him, played with hilarity and tenderness by Phillip Baker Hall and Matt Frewer, he also reluctantly lets Kyle try to cheer him up by any means possible – most importantly, “getting laid.” 50/50 masterfully deals with its difficult subject matter, as it ingeniously balances between comedy that provides countless laugh-out-loud moments and the ability to switch to impressively affecting drama. It’s the type of film that will conflict you, as ir successfully works as a superb comedy, as well as carrying an emotional heft unlike many to come out of Hollywood.

Jonathan Levine has found an impressive cast to meet Reiser’s dangerously personal script, as Joseph Gordon-Levitt turns out what is the best performance of his career, portraying the at times subtle, at times uncomfortably honest task of a man facing the all-too-real possibility of death. The supporting cast is superb as well, most noticeable are the few scenes between Adam and his mother, as Angelica Huston is great as his very caring mother. Equally impressive is the chemistry between Gordon-Levitt and Anna Kendrick, which is clear from the onset. Even Kyle offers a new facet to Seth Rogen’s repertoire, yes there is the usual crass comic relief, but perhaps drawing on the real life experience, Rogen delivers some impressive emotional weight as someone who clearly cares about Adam.

50/50 is an affecting film that perfectly balances and tightropes the line between comedy and drama, with a cast of characters written with humanity and honesty. With an excellent script, performances, and unique direction that works around Gordon-Levitt’s fantastic performance, which, along with Will Reiser’s screenplay, is oscar-worthy.

Grade: A