Viewed in
2009, 2010
Premise
Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel star in one of those quirky romantic comedies.
Who should watch
Those who like quirky indie romantic comedies.
Thoughts
A very cute film.
I liked how the screenplay was offbeat and goofy, yet it was able to maintain its believability. The film makers did an excellent job of showing what it's like for socially awkward people in their late 20's to fall in love for the first time. (Yes, I speak from experience.) As it moved from 'boy meets girl' phase to 'boy loses girl' phase, the characters remained human and realistic. Throughout the story, the writers kept things funny and entertaining.
Aside from both having difficult names to spell, Levitt and Deschanel lit up the screen with their adorable charm. Levitt really reminded me of John Cusack circa 'Grosse Point Blank' and 'High Fidelity'. It was amazing how both could effortlessly portray brooding, love-obsessed, aloof, off-kilter young men, yet make them completely sympathetic. I loved the scene when Levitt's character is speechless when asked to define 'love'. Just a perfect moment.
Sometimes it tried too hard to be an 'indie film', such as the relentless eclectic score, wizened young sister, random musical dance scene, and parodies of French New Wave classics. But that was just a nit-pick; last year's 'Juno' had a similar, but larger, flaw.
It did not bring anything new to the genre, but I would highly recommend it for its well-written portrayal of awkward human relationships and lovable leads.
What I would change
Nothing.
Personal
I was amused by the striking number of similarities between the main characters and my first girlfriend experience. Some stuff was spot on and really hit home. So either this was a testament to the film's universality of awkward, first-time lover moments, or I should sue them for royalties. I wonder what my ex-girlfriend thinks about this film...
Funny that it referenced 'The Graduate' because of the parallels. Not in terms of plot, but of tone. My biggest gripe with that film was its 180 degree turn in tone halfway through the film from darkly funny to very serious. In 'Days of Summer', when the plot got a little gloomy, the comedy tone and character behaviors were still consistent. Plus, they warn the audience in the first scene by time-jumping to when boy loses girl.
