(500) Days of Summer

The many great reviews I’d read for this movie may have over hyped it just a little, but overall, (500) Days of Summer lives up to all the great things you’ve probably heard about it. I loved the authenticity Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zoey Deschanel brought to their characters and their relationship: scenes where almost nothing is said—looks are exchanged, eyes are rolled, or hands are held—felt true and familiar.

Gordon-Levitt and Deschanel play Tom and Summer, respectively, and we know from the start that their relationship won’t last (hence the film’s name). Seen through Tom’s eyes, we experience the mystery and allure that is Summer Finn. Told out of chronological order, the movie bounces from one stage of their affair to another without a predictable rhyme or reason but always with purpose. Given the perspective of the movie, it’s no wonder I wound up appreciating and sympathizing with Tom more than Summer. He’s ultimately more likeable, if only because we see the world through his eyes. There were times when I’d had quite enough of Summer, thank you very much, but the strength of Gordon-Levitt’s performance allows us to stay with him even when it’s not quite clear why he’s so committed.

Some of the secondary characters, especially that of Tom’s little sister, felt far less authentic, which did detract from the movie but not enough to really hurt it. And there is a bit of cheese at the end that serves a purpose but is cheesy nonetheless. Still, it’s one of the better romantic movies I’ve seen in a while. It is more original, heartfelt, and believable that most of what passes for romance at the movies these days.