500 Days of Summer

My husband and I don't go to the movies much anymore. Personally, there just aren't many movies that I really want to watch, except for any Harry Potter or Twilight movies, of course. ;) However, there are the occasional few that I am excited about. One of them is an indie film called 500 Days of Summer. It received great reviews. (I really only watch movies that other people say are good. It helps weed out the bad ones.) And I heard it is not the typical love story. I am atypical and thus like atypical movies. Also, I love Zooey Deschanel. I think she is beautiful.

I had been telling my husband that I wanted to see this movie. We finally made a "date night" out of it last Friday. Well, I am really the only one who calls it "date night." But it makes it seem special...like we are kids again. Just him and me out on a date enjoying each other's company. No distractions, just us. Date night also seems more official. No excuses. No change of plans. We are going out...no buts about it. You should know that Friday nights are usually when we come home exhausted and want to do nothing except order in and watch a DVD.

It is fun making plans with my husband. And I honestly looked forward to date night all week. So last Friday, I got to spend quality time with my husband and finally got to watch 500 Days of Summer. The first thing the narrator says in the movie is "This is a story of boy meets girl. But you should know up front, this is not a love story." There on the big screen was the boy named Tom and the girl named Summer sitting at a park bench holding hands and staring into each other's eyes. I saw this couple and expected (and hoped for) a happy ending despite the narrator's warning.

The movie flashes between blissfully happy Tom and heartbroken, lovesick Tom on different days of the 500 days of Summer. It's weird watching the beginnings of romance knowing the ending isn't going to be a happy one. However, you are right there with Tom through his bliss and also his heartache. The poor guy just could not get over Summer after their break-up. Everyone has been there and can relate to Tom's plight. That is why this movie is so great. It is not obvious. It's honest. Love is unexpected and can be both good and bad. Joseph Levitt-Gordon is great as forlorn Tom. I felt so bad for the guy especially when he was desperately clinging to hope that just didn't exist. Joseph Levitt-Gordon found a niche as an indie film actor. Since his 3rd Rock from the Sun days, it seems he has been MIA when actually he has been working plenty...mostly on indie films like Brick, The Lookout, and Manic. I'll be looking out for more of his movies. I am his newest fan.