(500) DAYS OF SUMMER

You have got to check out this movie!

It's this lovely, offbeat small movie buried in a sea of big, over-hyped summer movies. It's still playing in theaters (so don't miss it) and has amazing word-of-mouth buzz, but it's cast is not A-list (but hopefully they will be someday) and there are no explosions (except for some one's heart).

(500) Days of Summer takes a quirky, refreshing look at an old subject -- love. It's creative in its execution and clever in look and dialogue. But it's not self-consciously witty -- and the soundtrack enhances an already fine film.

Zooey Deschanel captivates from the moment she appears on screen. She's like a breath of fresh air. She reminds me of a young Debra Winger. She's attractive, yet complex and a lot more is going on underneath than what she projects on the surface. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is equally charming to watch with his understated manner and genuine portrayal of someone trying to win at the game of love. Both actors do a great job.

The screenplay is by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber. They also wrote "Pink Panther 2", which I didn't see, but their script for (500) Days of Summer is a gem. I hope to be able to read it soon and that they continue to write from the heart.

Director Marc Webb's film has a richness to it and doesn't look like it was shot in L.A. -- at least not anything I've seen before on screen.

The ending is warm and charming. Summer and Tom are this screen generation's Katie and Hubbell.

Until next time.