In a market where the majority of films rely upon the overuse of violence, sex appeal and CGI, it’s refreshing to come across something memorable and entertaining.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays a character that is diagnosed with a rare type of cancer on his spine. Despite the medical lingo involved in such a situation, the terminology used throughout the film never hinders the entertainment value. This is much in part due to the clear nature in which it is presented. It can also be attributed to the general light-hearted nature of the film and cast.

Seth Rogen plays the best friend of Gordon-Levitt, which adds a comical aspect to the film that is essential in making it appeal to a younger crowd. Additional aspects adding to that same appeal include an adequate indie soundtrack and scenes with marijuana being used in conjunction with the process of chemotherapy.

Gordon-Levitt carries much of, if not the majority of, the entertainment value and sheer power of the film. He shows an emotional range that has not been tapped into since “The Lookout” (2007).

Rogen more than adequately plays his part in proving to have the heart of a true friend, despite a somewhat shallow demeanor and seemingly decadent interests in lifestyle. In fact, it is in the scenes that show the true caring and support of Rogen, Gordon-Levitt’s mother, therapist and even other patients diagnosed with cancer, that the true message of the film is brought to light.

A very rare aspect exists within this film, something that many emotionally-driven dramas strive to hit but sorely miss. There are moments that honestly touch the heart. It’s not so much that the filmmakers were striving to strictly make it so that viewers could relate to being diagnosed with an illness. Rather, it is in the care, concern and the extent to which these emotions are shown. Any person watching can relate them to a moment in their life where a friend or family member, or themselves personally, had to face some crisis from something as mild as a romantic break up to something as serious as a life threatening situation, or even something as grave as death.

An interesting and significant ingredient that adds to the entertainment value is that of comic relief. While still maintaining the copious relevance concerning cancer, the comedy is quite excellent and does not feel forced. This is critical, as in, if it were to feel forced and unnatural, then some audience members would walk away feeling as though the film were some sort of mockery or satire of a cancer patient.

Even in light of such a depressing situation, it is better to try to not take things so seriously and, in the very least, show support by offering a warm and good laugh, Rogen said in an interview prior to the film’s release.

Gordon-Levitt has accumulated an interesting portfolio. Starting off as an alien in the TV series “3rd Rock From the Sun” (1996), then moving to his next major role as a “Mr. Nice Guy” in “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999), and then deciding to star in the lesser known “Brick” (2005). He moved on to show his true abilities for conveying extreme emotions in the aforementioned “The Lookout,” then playing a hopeless romantic in “(500) Days of Summer” (2009), and while many enjoyed “Inception” (2010), Gordon-Levitt arguably did little aside from stand there and look good.

It is in this film that, because of his performance, “50/50” truly shines as one of the best films amongst its peers and one that is a definite must see.