This 13-Year Old Comedy Movie Gave Anna Kendrick Her Highest Rotten Tomatoes Score Ever

The celebrated comedy drama 50/50 gave Anna Kendrick her highest Rotten Tomatoes score ever. Kendrick is known for starring in Pitch Perfect, The Accountant, A Simple Favor, and Trolls, but to this day has yet to top her role in the 2011 movie that also featured performances from Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen. 50/50 earned an outstanding 93% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes as well as an equally impressive audience score of 88%.

50/50 is widely considered one of Anna Kendrick’s best movies, which also applies to her co-stars. Her recent movie A Simple Favor which she starred in alongside Blake Lively is also among her best-ever roles and was good enough to inspire an upcoming sequel with acclaimed director Paul Feig. Kendrick rose to prominence from her role in the celebrated 2009 drama Up in the Air alongside George Clooney and Vera Farmiga and also starred as Jessica in 2008’s Twilight.

Anna Kendrick’s Role In 50/50 Was Different From Her Other Movies

Kendrick’s part in 50/50 was more serious than her other roles

Anna Kendrick’s role in 50/50 was different from most of her other movies, which is also true of funnyman Seth Rogen. She was more serious in this film, trying to work within the story instead of being the main star and being an integral part of the impressive ensemble. While Gordon-Levitt was already established as a leading man in dramatic movies such as Brick and (500) Days of Summer, Rogen also deviated from his purely comedic roles in 50/50.

50/50 tackles the tough subject of a cancer diagnosis for Gordon-Levitt’s young protagonist. The film was directed by Jonathan Levine (Warm Bodies) and also features a performance from an up-and-coming Bryce Dallas Howard. Critics praised how realistic the film’s performances felt and the overall tone of the film, which expertly blended grave realities and lighthearted humor, creating a truly unique viewing experience. 50/50 is currently available to stream on Max.

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Why 50/50 Is Still Such A Great & Heartwrenching Movie

50/50 expertly blends and pulls off tragedy and comedy

50/50 tackles a heavy subject matter with poise and respect while still delivering on the punchlines. Leonard Maltin of IndieWire writes in his review, “There couldn’t be a more serious subject, yet Gordon-Levitt and especially Rogen (who co-produced the movie) make the comedy seem both spontaneous and organic.” Lou Lumenick of the New York Post writes, “It succeeds mostly thanks to stellar work by the wonderful Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who capably handles the dramatic heavy lifting, and Seth Rogen, who delivers big laughs as his raunchy bud.” Over a decade later, it makes sense that 50/50 is still Kendrick’s best movie.

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50/50

4.0

50/50 is a comedy-drama directed by Jonathan Levine, featuring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Adam, a young man diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. The film explores Adam’s journey through treatment and his relationships with his best friend Kyle, played by Seth Rogen, and his therapist Katherine, played by Anna Kendrick.

Director

Jonathan Levine

Release Date

September 30, 2011

Studio(s)

Mandate Pictures , Point Grey Pictures

Distributor(s)

Summit Entertainment

Writers

Will Reiser

Runtime

100 minutes

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