500 Days of Summer has gotten huge acclaim from both critics and filmgoers alike. The story is told going back and forth along the 500 calendar days that the relationship developed between Tom Hansen (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer Finn (Zooey Deschanel). It’s a quirky relationship comedy, very indie feeling, and tries to give us a new spin on the boy-meets-girl storyline.
It is not my favorite film from either of the main actors. That would have to be the compelling Mysterious Skin from Gordon-Levitt, and Winter Passing from Deschanel (with All the Real Girls as a close second). I never really got very emotionally involved in this relationship-perhaps because of the insufficient buildup to the point where Tom is convinced he’s eternally in love, perhaps the witty dialogue sacrificing story depth. Or maybe not enough “explanation” from Summer as to why she is such a firm disbeliever in true love. Maybe too many sweater vests on Tom. (I know, I know, you LOVED the sweater vests.)
Where I didn’t quite get this movie, the vast majority of viewers will love it. For me it didn’t touch indie sleepers like Little Miss Sunshine or Juno, but it’s definitely a well-crafted film and worth the view. – [DVD]
Comedy
Rated R
DVD Release Date: 12/22/09