(500) Days of Summer shines brightly

By Vanessa Ho

Buzz for (500) Days of Summer coming out of the Sundance Film Festival this year was so positive that you wonder if the film could live up to its expectations when it had a wider release. The film not only delivers but it is all thanks to Joseph Gordon-Levitt's charming and winning performance.

Gordon-Levitt plays architect turned greeting card writer Tom Hanson and (500) Days of Summer recounts his courtship with Summer (a winning Zooey Deschanel), his co-worker from his greeting card company. Problem is Tom believes in true love and soul mates while Summer doesn't.

The script written by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber doesn’t tell your typical boy meets girl story, which is definitely part of the charm of the film. The narrative goes back and forth and back again in time as it tells the tale of Tom and Summer's 500 days together with all its ups and downs.

Gordon-Levitt, all grown-up from his days of TV's 3rd Rock from the Sun, is loveable as Tom that you really hope he gets his happy ending (he certainly deserves it).

Deschanel manages to take what could be an unsympathetic character when you consider her belief in love but she brings so much complexity and layers to Summer that you don't hate her when you know early on that she breaks Tom's heart. Plus, she and Gordon-Levitt have such sweet chemistry, especially during one of their dates that takes place at an Ikea, that you can't hate her for long.

The supporting cast also deserves some praise, in particular Chloë Moretz as Tom's wise beyond her 12-year old years younger sister. Geoffrey Arend and Matthew Gray Gubler deliver hilarious performances as Tom's best friends McKenzie and Paul respectively.

As well, director Marc Webb lovingly captures some beautiful Los Angeles architecture in one scene as Tom shares his passion for architecture with Summer.

If there is one thing you need to do this summer is make sure you reserve one day to go and see (500) Days of Summer.