(500) Days of Summer

Very early on this film lets you know that it's not a love story; while at the same time it is about love, and what it may or may not be. Tom (Joseph Gordon Levitt) and Summer (Zooey Deschanel) meet at the greeting card company where they both work, and Tom is soon convinced that Summer is the "one". Summer is basically the guy in this relationship, not looking for, or willing to make any kind of commitment. Tom is the romantic who desperately wants Summer as his girlfriend, not that he isn't enjoying some of the perks that pertain to that status already. The story of their relationship is told in a non-linear style, as the good days are interspersed with the bad; leading to it's inevitable conclusion. The film contains many of the elements of the genre, including the good friends who are always giving advice, and a wise beyond her years younger sister, who counsels Tom during time-outs in her soccer game. It all works due to a good script and performances, and makes for a very entertaining nontraditional rom-dram.

Rating - 3 Stars (Solid)