500 Days of Summer

First review on the new site! Pretty awesome.

I had been noticing recently that modern day romantic comedies are all the same. They all share the characterisitc of being painfully predictable. I don't know how you can enjoy a movie where you are almost certain as to what the outcome will be. This summer's rom-com releases weren't much different with The Proposal, I love you Beth Cooper, and The Ugly Truth. However, there has finally been a romantic comedy done right.

500 Days of Summer isn't your typical three-act movie. It is totally non-linear in telling the story and you have to appreciate the risk the director is taking when you decide to tell a story in such a way. The movie tells the story of Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer (Zooey Deschanel), and their experience of each other over a span of 500 days. The cool thing about the story is that it doesn't start us out on day 1 when they first meet, but instead in the middle of their time together. It never allows the viewer to really know what part of the story is coming next. Another very good part of this movie is the performances themselves. Gordon-Levitt shows his acting chops by being completely ecstatic one minute and then in the opening and shutting of an elevator door is completely miserable. Deschanel gives probably her best performance to date, playing the girl not looking for anything serious, not really believing in true love. These actors fit perfectly into their roles. This movie could very well have been a flop if A-list actors took the leads because they may have tried to do it up. That's not what this movie is about. The trailer says that this movie isn't your typical love story. If you have those big time names, then maybe you lose some of the genuine emotion shown by the leads.

This movie does not have one of those "hollywood" or happy endings. There is a very good reason as to why it's not included. Because that's not what real life usually ends up becoming. There is very much an honesty to this film. And honestly, there may not be a better romantic comedy for years to come. Rating: 4 out of 4. Playing in select theatres

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsD0NpFSADM. trailer