Review: (500) Days of Summer

“This is a story of boy meets girl. But you should know up front this is not a love story”. That is how (500) Days of Summer is introduced and it holds true in what is easily one of my favorite movies of the year. This is not a conventional romantic comedy. Instead it is one of the most honest stories about relationships I can remember ever being on screen and it really hit home.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Tom Hansen, a greetings card writer with aspirations of being an architect. When Summer arrives as a new employee at the office the start of their relationship begins. The movie essentially jumps back and forth between different days and the events that took place in a 500 day span. The level of excitement early is contrasted in a completely unique way with the breakdown and emotion that comes later on. Really the story is about discovery and dealing with the unexpected things that life brings.

The main characters have an immense level of chemistry that really sells the story. They fit well together and are completely believable in their interactions and the development of their relationship. There is some comic relief also from the supporting characters but they don’t stand out as being placed in just for that reason but instead they are along as the people who are turned to for advice despite what they maybe lack in expertise. While they do provide some laughs the parts that really got me were in relating to the situations and things said between Tom and Summer.

I would not consider this a “chick flick” because it will resonate with everyone. Most individuals will be able to relate to the situations and emotions involved based on a relationship they have had or an opportunity missed out on in the past. In a way watching this movie was cathartic and I left it with a sense of optimism. But that isn’t based on a contrived ending. Instead it is about knowing how difficult things can be but that eventually life does go on and acceptance is reached.

(500) Days of Summer arrived on DVD yesterday and it is worth at least a rent if not a purchase. The genuine nature of the story is unmatched and the performances were completely honest. It truly connected with me in a way that few movies do. I can only wish that more did.

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