(500) Days of Summer

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel, Geoffrey Arend, Chloe Moretz
Directed by: Marc Webb
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
2009

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A greeting card writer (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) falls in love with his new coworker, Summer (Zooey Deschanel) and the two hit it off, however, Summer is adamant she doesn't want to be part of anything serious.

Review:
Tim: (500) Days of Summer is a refreshingly different movie that is much closer to reality than many other romantic dramedies. Real life relationships are a lot like this- which is why this movie is very often depressing (much like real life). Still, this film is unique and fairly entertaining. I actually think had this not been Marc Webb's feature film directorial debut, it might have been better. Yes, he does a good job, but still makes some mistakes.

I think the biggest problem with this movie is that I honestly just don't have a lot to say about it. Is it a good movie? Yes, it is. (500) Days of Summer is an entertaining, occasionally powerful romantic dramedy that accurately captures the real, bleak, painful side of relationships. It is finely acted, surprising, and overall, a solid movie. And yet, there doesn't feel like there is a whole lot there, under the surface. I think this is a movie that is very good in the momnt, but doesn't have a great deal of staying power.

As I mentioned, the cast is good. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a talented, experienced actor, and he works well in the role. He doesn't do anything flashy or jump out at you with his performance, but very quietly, he allows the audience to connect to his character. He has a good deal of chemistry with Zooey Deschanel, playing the titular Summer. I am a big fan of Deschanel, although I've never been a huge fan of the roles she chooses. I didn't love her character here, although she is quite good in the role. Deschanel and Gordon-Levitt are quite good together and believable as a couple. The casting decisions were excellent.

One of my favorite scenes in the film is Gordon-Levitt walking through the park after his first night with Deschanel. This is unexpected, and very welcome. I laughed out loud at the dance scenes, the cartoon bird was great, and this scene was pure fun and entertainment. I love that this movie defied expectations for entertainment purposes. I also like the unconventional structure of the titular 500 days. These don't come in any particular order, so it is fun to watch the characters jump back and forth from pre-relationship to relationship to post-relationship. While on occasion this is a bit disruptive, it is appreciated in the end.

(500) Days of Summer is worth seeing because it is a good movie that defies the conventions of the genre. I love the chances this movie took- even the ones that didn't pan out. I wish this movie was a bit more memorable, but it was entertaining in the moment, and that is good enough for me.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



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