(500) Days of Summer

6

DawdlingPoetNov 27, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is both a romantic comedy and drama film with very much a quirky feel to it - while it is perhaps most commonly regarded as a romantic film, it isn't really especially 'lovey-dovey' as in a lot of 'chick flicks' and the like. The plot is based very much on the main character (Tom) falling in love with another character, so that hardly breaks any new ground plot wise. There is more emphasis on character development, self introspection, with a lot of self questioning from Tom, plus there are a variety of other characters, some of which provide comedic moments. I quite liked that Summer seemed so certain that 'true love' is a myth - her character is quite cynical and you could say that both characters teach each other things. It sounds and quite frankly is quite cheesy but not in too much of an 'in your face'/over the top rom com stereotyped way. The quirkiness definitely plays in this titles favour, I'd say. I think that both the main characters are fairly easy to relate to, in their own ways.

Cast wise, Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Tom, the somewhat distant and relatively quiet/introverted adolescent, while Zooey Deschanel plays his love interest, Summer. She is portrayed as quite an imaginative, cheery yet understated young woman. They both seem well cast to play quite modern individual characters. Other cast members include Chloe Grace Moretz, Matthew Gray Gubler and Geoffrey Arend.

I liked the soundtrack, which feature some 80s pop hits and is quite jolly. Examples of tracks played include She's Like the Wind by Patrick Swayze, Sugar Town by Lee Hazlewood, You Make My Dreams by Hall and Oates and Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap.

Content wise, this film contains some strong language, one or two instances of mild to moderate violence, scenes with drunken characters and sex references are made throughout, hence its 12 rating.

The film features a fairly quiet narrator who steps in (audibly, not on camera) to add a little bit of background detail to where the relationship or/and characters were at, near the start of certain scenes. I think its fair to say that this is a relatively under stated film, tone wise and I quite liked that as well. For an independent film, its pretty solid - it won't suit, or appeal to, everyone but for what it is, I thought it was quite good - not entirely as predictable as similar films of this genre or type are and with decent main performances.

If I were to criticise it, then the first thing that would come to mind would be the confusing chronology of the plot. It goes to and fro between dates from when Tom first encountered Summer and when things 'hit the rocks' somewhat. The point in this timeline thats covered in the next scene is indicated by what seems like an animated drawing with a day number and a tree thats shown between scenes. It can be a bit confusing, going from dates such as '3' (i.e. day 3 of him knowing of her) to '36' and back to, for example, day '10'. It is a film that could do with a bit of attention being paid to it, to fully follow the plot I suppose. Also, I have to say that there isn't a great amount of 'obvious' comedy - there are a few little pieces and their more of the likely to make you smile to yourself type, rather than loud outbursts of laughter type pieces but thats ok. I feel like there perhaps could have been a chance for more comedy, more witty content possibly?. Having said that, to be fair there is a strong feeling of irony present towards the end of the film, which I quite liked as well.

Yes I'd recommend this film, as I felt it was a good character driven romantic drama/adolescent coming of age type film, of sorts. It is mildly philosophical, it is cheesy and there isn't a massive amount of comedy, only a little bit every while or so which may make you **** but little more but yet I liked this film. It didn't feel especially preachy or completely following the old stereotypes of such rom com type films - it was an easy watch, a fun and interesting watch with a good cast, some good dialogue and I reckon most people who are interested in it, having read the main plot synopsis above, would enjoy it (the only exception being if you can't stand cheesy films or 'rom com' type films at all, although this is less of your usual typical rom com and slightly different, hence the quirky label), hence my recommendation.… Expand

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5

AdamC.Aug 3, 2009

I like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, but I cannot recommend this film simply because the female lead is completely unlikeable. Zooey Deschanel plays an absorbed woman who toys with a guy's emotions as if she is a maestro conducting a symphony. I like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, but I cannot recommend this film simply because the female lead is completely unlikeable. Zooey Deschanel plays an absorbed woman who toys with a guy's emotions as if she is a maestro conducting a symphony. The ending of the movie does not resolve the bitter taste that her character leaves behind. Honestly, I wanted a bus to run her over, gently, of course.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful

5

chrisgJan 24, 2010

Zoe D is beginning to be typecast as the mercurial girl-next-door who kept every teen guy at arms length, for no apparent reason. Very beguiling. Levitt is getting better with every film. Best Picture? Not even close. The story jumps around Zoe D is beginning to be typecast as the mercurial girl-next-door who kept every teen guy at arms length, for no apparent reason. Very beguiling. Levitt is getting better with every film. Best Picture? Not even close. The story jumps around with very annoying graphics. Want a similarly themed but great date film that? See "Definitely Maybe."… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful

5

NateJ.Aug 8, 2009

This movie has some poignant moments that kept me interested, but overall the script and execution is disappointing. The only way it could be considered "original" is if you are comparing it to saccharine, assembly line rom-coms. Almost This movie has some poignant moments that kept me interested, but overall the script and execution is disappointing. The only way it could be considered "original" is if you are comparing it to saccharine, assembly line rom-coms. Almost everything in this movie you've already seen. The quirkiness is forced, the soundtrack is overactive, and the ending predictable. The acting isn't bad, but Zooey is stuck playing a rather unlikeable and two-dimensional character. Overall, not worth seeing in the theater.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful

5

RandalSDec 25, 2009

Whole movie seemed forced and gimmicky. Does not live up to any of the movie it references.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

5

lordjrsJan 6, 2012

I don't know what to think about this movie. The ending was **** sincerely. I don't know if I should laugh or mourn with this movie. Strange, is'n it?

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

EssenceOfSugarJul 22, 2012

Despite the film's best intentions, I didn't think this had potential to reflect on the idea of what love is when it ended. The contrast of blue skies and dark clouds ended in a blurry mess. The film was a little light for my liking,Despite the film's best intentions, I didn't think this had potential to reflect on the idea of what love is when it ended. The contrast of blue skies and dark clouds ended in a blurry mess. The film was a little light for my liking, preferring to not explain the circumstances surrounding what was actually going on between the two main characters. I like both of the actors, but their cute looks gave me more a sense of confusion between seriousness and cheerfulness. Was it supposed to be this confusing, or does this genuinely try and portray complications within a relationship, if you could call what they were going through a relationship? I felt it was quite an arty interpretation, though, with plenty of light-hearted humour. But never ever could this assume that it was trying to preach a message about love, because it wasn't.… Expand

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4

JeffAAug 8, 2009

I guess it was pretty good as far as romantic comedies go, which isn't saying a whole lot. Like most self-absorbed female characters in these movies, Zooey Deschanel is generally unlikable. Along with too many coincidental plot fillers, I guess it was pretty good as far as romantic comedies go, which isn't saying a whole lot. Like most self-absorbed female characters in these movies, Zooey Deschanel is generally unlikable. Along with too many coincidental plot fillers, I had problems with too much forced hipsterism: "I love The Smiths." Joseph Gordon-Levitt was a decent hapless emo sweatervest-donning twenty-something. He was about as close to real as this movie gets to romance -- the pathetic, angst ridden worship that plagues obsessive hipsters. I still don't buy the pro's claims that this is a realistic premise, which is completely destroyed by its ultimate hokeyness.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

3

MattNJan 19, 2010

Hated it. Did the lead guy have to be such a pussy?Seemed very cliched in places and what was with the Royal Tennbaums rip-off voice over?

0 of 5 users found this helpful

3

BellenS.Aug 2, 2009

Pretty typical example from the Annie Hall school of romantic comedies that exhibits the same superficial quirkiness Juno had... a few Smiths songs here, some squiggly pencil drawings there... I guess it's pretty charming, if Pretty typical example from the Annie Hall school of romantic comedies that exhibits the same superficial quirkiness Juno had... a few Smiths songs here, some squiggly pencil drawings there... I guess it's pretty charming, if you're into that. Oh, and they TOTALLY stole a gag from the Steve Martin movie The Lonely Guy, a far superior rom-com. Heartbroken guy who works at a greeting card company starts writing bitter cards? Steve should sue their quirky pants off!… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

3

AngelaRAug 24, 2009

Boring. Great visual idea, horrible dialogue and flat characters. Like one very, very long montage scene. Like they attempted to redo Annie Hall, but failed miserably.

0 of 2 users found this helpful

3

RodrigoBGCOct 11, 2011

Another very long movie with a long drama in which at the end anything happens, not a love story so this movie is nothing, is simply stupid, i really waste my time watching this

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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3

moslegend34Dec 4, 2014

Don't waste two hours of your life; watch Walter Mitty instead.
Overrated, hackneyed and predictable. This film made me cringe so often.Two fine actors fail to save a hapless script. Setting is poor and square at best. The time shifts don'tDon't waste two hours of your life; watch Walter Mitty instead.
Overrated, hackneyed and predictable. This film made me cringe so often.Two fine actors fail to save a hapless script. Setting is poor and square at best. The time shifts don't have the desired effects as the dialogue is way too repetitive, typical yuppie stereotypes. The whole guy who has no chance with a beautiful woman thing has been done countless times. Music was all right.… Expand

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2

MariekeW.Jul 25, 2009

This film was horrible. Trite. Anything you see here, you should have seen elsewhere, unless, a) you are 12 and haven't seen any of the great films of our time, or b) you are in need of identifying with zooey deschanel's cultivated This film was horrible. Trite. Anything you see here, you should have seen elsewhere, unless, a) you are 12 and haven't seen any of the great films of our time, or b) you are in need of identifying with zooey deschanel's cultivated quirk of detachment. There was nothing novel about the segments that one could tell were meant to stand out. When they say "it's been done before", it may not be apt, but in this case it is, because it's been done better. Don't waste your time and energy watching a train-wreck romance....wait for it...crash...when that's all it could ever do. This movie is a sketch of an empty shell of a relationship, without any character development. Nothing to hold onto after it tips you into the void. And no, that's not directorial irony.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

2

ramsaypAug 9, 2009

Is two a bit harsh? Perhaps, but I am grading the movie in light of the films that it aspires to be like. Actually, aspires is the wrong word. "Marketed" would be more appropriate. The film really has no aspirations other than to portray Is two a bit harsh? Perhaps, but I am grading the movie in light of the films that it aspires to be like. Actually, aspires is the wrong word. "Marketed" would be more appropriate. The film really has no aspirations other than to portray itself as a hip indie romantic comedy that will rope in those susceptible to fawning over anything that references The Smiths, "The Graduate," etc., has a cool indie rock score, has a jaded central character, and contains the insipid indie darling, Zooey Deschanel. There is absolutely nothing new here, and the material that is recycled (I don't think there is anything wrong with retreading tride and true formulas) is done so badly. The venture doesn't even come close to a movie like, "He's just not that into you," which is no classic. But this is no surprise, since the demographic "500" aims for want to indulge in the idea of "indie" while remaining entirely "de-pendant" on the opinions of their peers. People in their twenties and thirties have other concerns, and want to be entertained... at least somewhat.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

2

AlexO.Sep 22, 2009

(500) Days of Summer is pretty much what you'd get if K-TEL International made romantic comedies for hipsters. The film has a few nice visuals, but script and characters are contrived, generic and affected. The film has absolutely no (500) Days of Summer is pretty much what you'd get if K-TEL International made romantic comedies for hipsters. The film has a few nice visuals, but script and characters are contrived, generic and affected. The film has absolutely no spark. While watching, I was reminded of those annoying groups of people that one sometimes finds in restaurants or record stores, the ones who talk extra loud so that everyone in the place can be entertained by their clever banter and sarcastic wit. Instead, they only come off as irritatingly arrogant asses. (500) Days of Summer's emphatic attempts at cleverness have exactly the same effect.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful

2

WillbeoneJan 8, 2012

Light, easy watching but so predictable I lost interest very quickly... my wife liked it so maybe there's hope for this film yet. I'm now just adding characters as this film is uninspiring.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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2

DodgerApr 29, 2012

A truly awful movie. Utterly without point and extremely boring it will literally feel like its been 500 days by the time you have finished watching it. Truly one of the worst movies i have ever seen.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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1

CindyCNov 4, 2009

Over-rated. Shallow game-playing female meets insecure depressed male and victimization occurs. The leads are supposedly charming but quickly become tedious. My own love life is depressing enough without wasting 2 hours watching this film.

1 of 4 users found this helpful

1

WilliamLNov 3, 2009

Terrible movie. Pretty much an IKEA ad.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

1

JeanC.Aug 3, 2009

It was long and pointless, boring as hell.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

1

shauneAug 25, 2009

If you find watching some poor bastard get his heart torn out, this is the movie for you. this movie also will be big with people who like depressing endings. enjoy.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

1

shaunmedApr 27, 2011

the most depressing movie i have seen in a long time. if you want to see a guy be depressed for 90 minutes and have his heart torn out of his ass, this is the movie for you.

3 of 18 users found this helpful315

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0

GeorgeUghJan 7, 2010

Fans of this movie: you know that subtle nagging feeling that tells you that everything about this movie is just plain wrong - follow it and save yourselves.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

0

UlrichD.Sep 6, 2009

This film is ghastly. At best, it is derivative, lifeless and nauseatingly commercial. I have seen mobile phone adverts which are better, and which aspire to exactly the same aesthetic. Dialogue was pumped with references to pop culture in This film is ghastly. At best, it is derivative, lifeless and nauseatingly commercial. I have seen mobile phone adverts which are better, and which aspire to exactly the same aesthetic. Dialogue was pumped with references to pop culture in the same way that sub-standard meat is pumped with water. From start to finish, the film is aimless and contrived. Watching … Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

0

JamesOct 10, 2009

Hipster garbage, unrealistic, flat pointless, lifeless plot. Much worse than Annie Hall and other failed "romantic comedies". I wish I spent my money on something else. If you have seen District 9 I recommend seeing that instead of this trite sh*te.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

0

DanSAug 10, 2009

That was a manufactured piece of garbage from the blatant IKEA product placement to the cookie cutter characters!

0 of 1 users found this helpful

0

commentscommentsAug 1, 2009

This was the worst piece of derivative, hollow, pandering, charlie kaufman-aping, focus tested, faux quirk, garbage i've seen in my whole life. this is a movie especially made for people who don't particularly care for movies, and This was the worst piece of derivative, hollow, pandering, charlie kaufman-aping, focus tested, faux quirk, garbage i've seen in my whole life. this is a movie especially made for people who don't particularly care for movies, and are just looking to have their little round things tickled every now and again, and in that way the studio estimated its audience perfectly, but to call it anything else is to be completely deluded.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

0

SiddFAug 13, 2009

An absolute train wreck. Nathan Lee's NPR review is dead on.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

0

SteveWSep 16, 2009

Sucked! In my life I have only walked out of a movie 2 times. This one and Beverly Hills Chihuahua (don't ask why I was tricked into seeing that one). At least the Chihuahua could act. Avoid at all costs!

0 of 1 users found this helpful

0

GaryS.Nov 28, 2009

I can't believe how many people like this movie. It makes me sad for America. Here's my review: some people who work in advertising watched Annie Hall and then wrote a movie in 2 hours. If this is a "true & honest & refreshing" I can't believe how many people like this movie. It makes me sad for America. Here's my review: some people who work in advertising watched Annie Hall and then wrote a movie in 2 hours. If this is a "true & honest & refreshing" take on romance, we have already been taken over by robots and just don't know it yet.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

0

AustinWJul 25, 2009

One of the most trite, pretentious, awful movies I have seen in a long time. I wish I had walked out.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

0

fsmithSep 25, 2009

Absolutely the worst, most cliche, laughable movie i've seen in years. had it starred mylie cyrus and one of the jonas brothers and been marketed to tweens, i would understand. for super-doofed hipsters only. don't waste your time, Absolutely the worst, most cliche, laughable movie i've seen in years. had it starred mylie cyrus and one of the jonas brothers and been marketed to tweens, i would understand. for super-doofed hipsters only. don't waste your time, even when it hits cable. ugh... (vomit in the back of my throat... oh, it almost came up).… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

(500) Days of Summer

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