Seth Rogen movie takes on cancer

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The diagnosis of cancer opens up a new life in the movie called 50/50 opening Friday.

Adam Lerner, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, is only in his early 20s when doctors give him the grim news.

Friend Seth Rogen looks at the diagnosis as a new way for the pair to pick up girls, among other things.

It turns out the story isn't all fiction. Rogen's real life friend Will Reiser wrote the story after battling cancer.

"As a writer I was able to use my own experiences to inspire the themes of the movie," said Reiser.

Rogen and Reiser met while writing for "Da Ali G Show" and as two guys in their 20s, joking about Reiser's cancer turned into fodder for a great script.

"I think at that age you are just not prepared. Whether you have cancer or the people around you [have it]," said Reiser.

Expect the usual off-the-cuff comments from Rogen and a humorous and heart-warming story about cancer, friendship and living life.

"50/50" is rated R.