movies to see before they go away part two

500 days of summer

this one just opened so hopefully word of mouth will push the limited distribution into longer stays and more theaters.


this is the best romantic comedy i've seen in many years. there's no formula, it's not cutsie or trite. it manages to be funny before the movie even starts. and all this without a scottish lout talking about female parts (the ugly truth)or an old old beloved actress embarrassing herself by literally whooping it up in the forest with indian feathers(the proposal). nothing is contrived and it is all believable. the leads are terrific- joseph gordon- levitt ("the lookout" and "3rd rock from the sun") and zooey deschanel ("elf" and "the tinman"). jgl is fast becoming my favorite leading man, even though sometimes he looks so much like heath ledger it catches my heart. the supporting cast is also strong without getting cartoonish as in other films of this genre.


the script is well written and the pace and editing are just right. no small feat as it was in the hands of a music video director, marc webb, and the team that wrote "pink panther 2", scott neustadter and michael h. weber. not auspicious beginnings, no, but if that's what paying your dues looks like it hollywood these days it's worth it. for whatever reason the mix here is just right. it's a romantic comedy in which nothing is too heavy handed or too light. ok, i'm reminded that there is one scene that takes some movie license but i argue that it fits- doesn't everyone feel like this when love first blooms? i do! see it and then tell me if it's true for you. this is a real romance set in real time and yet it still delivers magic.

highly recommend.