It is a formula, tried and true, but also tired and unimaginative.
These films usually employ pathetic puns as titles and utilize cliched jokes.
The enemy of their protagonist is evil, simple minded, and easily routed.
The plot line is simple, and the latter part of the film seems to function on auto-pilot.
500 Days of Summer doesn't play by these rules.
Its protagonist, Tom Hanson, is believable in his role, which is perhaps the most crucial element of his character's success. Tom, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, is boyish, optimistic, and genuinely funny. He writes greeting cards for a living, and always seems to be wearing a skinny tie. (This is perhaps the part of the film that tries too hard to be 'indie')
Meanwhile, the object of Tom's attraction, Summer, is played by Zooey Deschanel, a woman who doesn't believe love exists, and absolutely does not want to be 'held down' by a relationship.
The goal of the film is not about getting the viewer from beginning to end. Its about showing how the characters got there. Perhaps its method of presenting the day is a tad distracting, but it serves its purpose. Right off the bat the viewer is told how their relationship ends, it's day 488. The film then, in a non-linear, unconventional, and wholly creative style, explains how Summer and Tom meet, how they interact, and how they effect one another.
We identify with Tom, with his elation and depression. But we also don't hate Summer. She is honest with Tom, and she's too intelligent, funny, cute, and strong to hate.
The movie has memorable scenes, absorbing characters, and, wait for it, truly funny lines.
Summer and Tom just view the world differently. (Explained through how they interpret the meaning of "The Graduate").
Its soundtrack engages the viewer from beginning to finish, as does director Marc Webb's alternative methods.
In short, it is the best movie of its genre, and one of the best movies, period, that I have seen in quite a while.
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