"Webb's rom-com might well be the 'anti-rom-com', making compelling and ultra cool viewing for those wanting something entertaining and alternative to this well-trodden genre."

In a recent article, the delightful star of this film, Zooey Deschanel, was absolutely spot on about the 'stale' state of the film rom-com (see here); many hark back to the golden-oldie days of romance that perpetuate a 1950s' myth of the simpler times of relationship making. Indeed, like creatures of habit, we do need to be reassured that some things like love will never change. However, director Marc Webb's new comedy about modern love, (500) Days Of Summer, unsettles that staple Hollywood diet in a refreshing and exhilarating way, suggesting it's not all 'a walk in the park' - as many a singleton makes claim to, but having a little hope means that you get there in the end. ---------

(500) Days Of Summer demonstrates that love really is the strangest thing in this quirky and pleasing breath of fresh air, a film simply made for the equally kooky charms of Deschanel who actually plays the traditionally masculine role of the 'non-committer', a girl called Summer, and the one of the pair who is not in love. Having his heart and his romantic dreams crushed is the male, Tom, played by an increasingly versatile Joseph Gordon-Levitt. ---------

This role will endear Gordon-Levitt to many a new fan, like indie rom-com Definitely, Maybe did for Ryan Reynolds. Except, Gordon-Levitt is exceptionally funny and open to self-ridicule, which is hardly surprising given his previous performance in hit TV comedy series 3rd Rock from the Sun as Tommy. One such scene of hilarious self-mockery in this film is the musical one in the park, like something out of an old romantic musical, or more recently, an homage to the entertaining real-life fairy tale, Enchanted. Gordon-Levitt has cut his teeth firmly in the indie arena after Brick and Mysterious Skin, therefore, a jump into indie rom-com has proven effortless for this thrilling young talent. And what better a co-star that Deschanel to cast Gordon-Levitt opposite? Webb had a winner from the start. ---------

The narrative is invigoratingly, rather than annoyingly non-linear, flitting backwards and forwards with the aid of coloured slates to depict 'how many days to Summer'. This is more a story of falling out of love than in it, and this plot path with lots of tangents and stop-offs along the way is perfectly suited to relaying relationship intricacies and issues, accumulating in the unexpected, but with hindsight, understandable, upbeat and hopeful ending. ---------

Webb does not wish to sabotage our engrained views on falling in love, just to make us open our eyes to the contemporary realities. As a result of this healthy attitude that avoids succumbing to being plain cynical, his rom-com might well be the 'anti-rom-com', making compelling and ultra cool viewing for those wanting something entertaining and alternative to this well-trodden genre. --------

Synopsis --------

Boy meets girl. Boy falls in love. Girl doesn't. --------

From the moment Tom Hanson (Gordon-Levitt) lays eyes on Summer Finn, he knows he's found the one. Beautiful, charming and witty, she's the perfect woman. ------

Except for one little problem. Summer (Deschanel) doesn't believe in love - relationships are messy, so why not just have fun? Over 500 days, Tom experiences the euphoric highs and agonising lows of love in a sharp, funny comedy that tells it how it really is. ---

Film Facts --------

Official site: http://www.500daysofsummer.co.uk/

UK Release Date: 2nd September 2009

Director: Marc Webb

Writers: Scott Neustadter, Michael H Weber

Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt ('Tom Hanson'), Zooey Deschanel ('Summer Finn'), Geoffrey Arend ('McKenzie'), Chloe Grace Moretz ('Rachel Hansen'), Matthew Gray Gubler ('Paul'), Clark Gregg ('Vance'), Patricia Belcher ('Millie'), Rachel Boston ('Alison'), Minka Kelly ('Girl at Interview'), Charles Walker ('Millie's New Husband')

Distributor: 20th Century Fox

Certificate: 12A

Run-time: 95 mins

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