500 Days of Summer Review

I'm sure most of us have heard the term "chick-flick". You know the one. The movie that has the girl falling for the guy, then a dilemma develops; they fall apart, only to be brought back together by serendipity. And also usually these films consist of unrealistically good looking male and female leads, which makes it hard for the audience to truly relate. These types of films have been done to death, fortunately 500 Days of Summer is far from that. This film can more or less be summed up in one of the first lines of the movie. "This is a story of boy meets girl. But you should know up front, this is not a love story. But is it?” 500 Days of Summer is not your typical romantic film. The film shows the good and the bad of love, relationships, and life. There's something about it that sets it apart from the usual romantic comedy. At its best the movie can either be sweet and insightful or flat out heart-breaking.

500 Days of Summer is a intriguingly original take on falling in love. Director Marc Webb skilfully incorporates his own imagination and comedy into the film. Whilst the songs perfectly blend with various moods portrayed and many a times we can’t help but find ourselves singing along.

Tom (Joseph Gordon- Levitt) plays a wanna-be architect turned greeting card writer who falls for wholesome, doubter of love, new girl Summer (Zoey Deschanel). Tom a hopeless romantic charms Summer into what she thinks is a ‘casual relationship’. However Tom ends up questioning their status with one another, which manages to put a strain on the relationship as unfortunately for Tom, Summer is only interested in a friends with benefits situation. Unluckily for Tom this leaves Summer causing to request what could be his worst case scenario “time apart”. The movie accounts the bitter sweet beginning and unfortunate ending of a relationship which really wasn’t meant to be.

The story is not in direct order as it goes back and forth from different days Tom remembers from his relationship with Summer. As in real life we do not remember every detail in order we choose what we want to remember and in many cases it is either good or bad. As we see from the movie Tom remembers a little of both. Here it is very clear that the editing department have worked wonders creating new and artistic ways to show the difference of days and time.

Joseph Gordon- Levitt and Zoey Deschanel both have great chemistry together and give solid performances. This makes the movie realistic and genuine as they make the characters relationship and hardships truly believable making it compelling to watch. Gordon- Levitt proves yet again why he is one of the most talented actors of today alongside Deschanel whose wonderful portrayal of Summer intertwines with her quirky personality. The supporting cast are just as talented throughout and very entertaining to watch.

What I really like about the film is that it is different, yet very realistic. It is a thoroughly clever and impressive film that shouldn't be missed. So often the typical "dream" girl is just not quite a fit in this world, yet she and the next guy are just right. Doesn't seem fair, but in reality, it is not only fair but perfectly just. It may not be a love story but defiantly a movie to fall in love with. Even though the film might have ended on a very sour note, further depressing anyone watching. The final scene leaves us with a small ray of sunshine that drifts away from Summer and helps lift Tom into a new season. Autumn maybe?