A romantic comedy that rips up the formula - can 500 Days Of Summer melt Matt Edwards' heart?
Sat in the cinema this weekend, I saw trailers for two upcoming romantic comedies.
One was calledValentines Dayand stars Julia Roberts.
Either of them could easily be renamed Formulaic Bullshit: The Movie.
Its a shame, too, because some of my favourite films are rom-coms.
Sit me down in front ofAnnie HallorChasing Amyand youll have a satisfied reviewer on your hands.
I neednt have worried, though, because(500) Days Of Summeris brilliant.
Its sharp, funny, dramatic.
Its just all round good.
Its ambitiously put together and works exceptionally well.
Hes being touted as a candidate for the upcomingSpider-Manreboot now (and confirmed since this review was written).
I think that could work.
Whilst its not riotously funny, the film has some gags that work well.
The film is more amusing than flat out funny, but it works well.
(500) Days Of Summers strongest asset is its cast.
The chemistry between the two leads gives the film an authentic feel.
The film does have a few problems.
The narrator is entirely unnecessary and his infrequent appearances interrupt the flow of the film.
Similarly, the relationship between Tom and his wise-beyond-her-years younger sister doesnt quite work.
Some of the other supporting characters seem a little thin, too.
However, these are minor blemishes on what is a very enjoyable film.
The Disc
The picture transfer for this film is fine.
Its not the most testing material for your Blu-ray player, but it looks good throughout.
As a new release its unlikely that the film would look any less than good.
As far as extra content goes, theres some cool stuff included.
Not just nonsense fluff, either.
Were missing the making-of and a commentary track.
Film:
(500) Days of Summeris out now on Blu-ray andavailable from the Den Of Geek Store.
Rating:
4 out of 5
