To have been a fly on the wall of the meeting in which the concept for new comedy/drama 50/50 was pitched really would have been interesting. You can almost visualise the studio executives’ mouths hanging open in bewilderment and them asking incredulously ‘You want to make a comedy...about cancer!?’ It’s true that a ‘cancer comedy’ really could have been a recipe for disaster. The film could have failed in many ways either by being too offensive or by being unfunny and schmaltzy. Surprisingly, however, 50/50 beats these unlikely odds and proves itself to be a genuinely feel good and moving piece of cinema.

50/50 tells the story of Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a level-headed twentysomething whose life is turned upside down when he is diagnosed with a rare spinal cancer with a 50% survival rate. With his mother (Anjelica Huston) and girlfriend seemingly unable to cope with the diagnosis Adam turns to his wise-cracking best friend  Kyle (Seth Rogen) and his naive therapist (Anna Kendrick) for support.

50/50’s success lies in its authenticity and this genuine feel is due to the fact that the film’s screenwriter (Will Reiser) based the script on his real life experience of battling cancer. Reiser’s  script is therefore a very truthful portrayal of coping with the disease and the emotions expressed within it never feel phony or forced.

The film is full of excellent performances but special credit must be given to Joseph Gordon-Levitt who excels as Adam. Gordon-Levitt  brings real warmth and sincerity to the role thereby ensuring that the audience are completely emotionally involved in his story throughout.

50/50 is funny but not hilarious and as the film moves towards its conclusion the crude Rogen-style humour virtually disappears and is replaced by a more serious feel. The fact that the film is not laugh-out-loud hilarious all of the way through may disappoint some Rogen fans but it must be said that facing this subject in an effective and realistic way really does require this level of seriousness.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a laugh-a-minute comedy then you won’t find this here but what you will find is one of the most moving and enjoyable films of 2011.