DVD Review: (500) Days of Summer

Rated PG13 for mild language, brief sexuality, brief nudity

Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel

Day 1, boy meets girl.

Day 20-something, boy finally asks girl out.

Day 200-something, boy and girl get in a fight that begins their downfall.

Okay, so I don't remember what happened on what day number exactly, but you get the idea.

(500) Days of Summer tells the story of Tom and Summer - he's an aspiring architect who works at a firm writing greeting cards, Summer is latest assistant to Tom's boss. Tom immediately falls for Summer at first sight but is a bit hesitant to ask her out right away. Eventually, at an after work function, one of Tom's close friends and colleagues drunkenly spills the beans that Tom has a crush on Summer. The 2 begin seeing each other, however Summer straight out tells Tom she's not looking for anything serious - she doesn't believe in true love and doesn't want an actual boyfriend; Tom accepts this yet continues to see Summer romantically and sexually, albeit confused as to how to title their relationship.

Now our story jumps around a bit, as it is told in non-linear form. We are shown part of day 488 at the beginning of the film, followed by days 1-10 with a few of the others interjected. We see happy numbered days paralleled with some unhappy numbered days. While it seems like a strange way to do a movie, it actually works pretty well for this one.

Despite in every interview they did, Gordon-Levitt and Deschanel stated that this film was not a romantic comedy, it get advertised as one. What it really is, is a reality check. Things don't always end up the way you planned. Yes, it has a bit of romance to it and the chemistry between the 2 leads is fantastic (apparently they had been good friends for years and I personally find myself enjoying anything Deschanel is in, not to mention, ever since her role in Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, my husband has deemed her as "that cute sci-fi chick" and will watch anything she's in as well), and yes, there are some comic elements to it and some humor thrown in to lighten the mood of the film, in actuality, it is more of a drama.

For me, indie films tend to be hit or miss - either I love em or I find myself bored. In this case, I loved this film and highly recommend it to anyone who has been in a relationship! Don't miss this one!