50/50 [2011]

Writer Will Reiser draws from his own experience with cancer and creates a rich, realistic script, perfectly balancing drama and comedy in this affecting slice of life. Seth Rogen plays yet another variation of his persona and somehow manages to steal each scene he’s in. Actually, I see the (excellent) supporting cast in this film as if they were in some sort of war. Rogen, Anna Kendrick, Anjelica Huston, Bryce Dallas Howard: they’re all at the top of their game, “fighting” each other to see who steals the most scenes from a magnificent Joseph Gordon Levitt. 50/ 50 is, more than anything, an acting showdown, and I loved every minute of it. This is the most underrated ensemble of the year.