Tuesday, January 05, 2010

500 Days of Summer


Rating : 8/10
Release Date : Sep, 2009
Time : 95 minutes
Director : Marc Webb; Writer : Michael H Weber, Scott Neustadter; Music : Mychael Danna, Rob Simonsen
Starring : Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel, Mathew Gray Gubler, Clark Gregg, Minka Kelly


I wrote some notes to myself while I was watching the film, and apart from one additional sentence, am going to make that my ‘unstructured’ review…


• Watch this movie to feel alive, bring a smile to your face and remember what it feels to be young
• It’s the romance (and break-up) between Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel, shown over 500 days of their lives together

• Its very real, beautifully captured, including the first holding of hands, the first kiss, the joy of scoring

• Its very intelligent as well, some smart humour, there is a clever play on the word ‘summer’, Zooey’s nickname in college, the nickname ‘puma’, the movie they watch ‘Vagiant’, Harrison Ford winking back and the shouting game in the park.
• Zooey’s introduction as well is lovely, the camera showcases her beautifully, her dresses, her laughter, the way her character is introduced with all the irrelevant statistics and most of all, her eyes, staring wide, open and innocently at you. Impossible not to fall for her.

• Its almost a documentary, unlike a normal movie, there are parts where the hero actually is shown ringing the bell and waiting. Then at a party we see reality vs expectation shown side by side.
• I loved the ending – stayed true to being non-cliched yet was enjoyable

• I’m a bit sad because its only the 4th jan and I’m afraid I may not get to see a better film all year.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

totally agree with ur review. Its a wonderful movie. Zooey really has that charm that captivates u, no matter who else is there in the movie. I still remember her small role in Failure to Launch where I cudnt get my eyes off her, when Sarah Jessica Parker was the main lead....and her role in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, which apart from her, was so much of an injustice to a masterpiece book!

Ruchi D said...

I totally loved the movie.. and your review pretty much sums it up all.. Zooey is made for the role... don't think anyone else would've been so good!

Zennmaster said...

I am surprised you didn't find the parallel to 'Say Anything' :)

And if you are worried about lack of good movies, you might want to watch 'The Escapist', not sure if you will enjoy 'Bronson' but these two movies apart from 500 were on recommendations from movies from last year.

Also, strongly recommend, Zombieland.