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Go Home The (delayed) Movie Review: '(500) Days Of Summer'

THE PLANK JULY 17, 2009

The (delayed) Movie Review: '(500) Days Of Summer'

BY AUTHOR INFO NEEDED

I've been out of the country all week, so I'm afraid my review of the winning, winsome (500) Days of Summer will have to wait until (hopefully early) next week. Though not without its flaws, the film is sharp and witty, and captures with striking immediacy the simultaneous elation and terror of new, untested love. Though I'm still too jetlagged to make large pronouncements with any confidence, it may be the most enjoyable film of the summer since Up.

In any case, more next week. For those who can't wait, I recommend the characteristically excellent reviews by A.O. Scott and David Edelstein, though I think I liked the film a touch more than either of them. You can also find trailers for the film, which neatly capture its appealing vibe, here and here.

--Christopher Orr

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14 comments

90 minutes of Zooey Deschanel might be a good enough reason to see this.

- Androscoggin

July 17, 2009 at 11:01am

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My favorite movie so far this year is easily The Hurt Locker.  Will you be reviewing that one too?

- jhildner

July 17, 2009 at 11:24am

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Androscoggin, Zooey Deschanel is plenty easy on the eyes, but I've always found her to be pretty terrible when asked to do the "acting" part of acting.  I look forward to Orr's review, simply to see if she's managed the delicate but critical art of showing the emotion called for in the script.

- austinexpat

July 17, 2009 at 11:40am

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No Harry Potter review?  WTF?

- kerouac9

July 17, 2009 at 12:44pm

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Personally, I don't get the big deal about Zooey Deschane and her alleged captivating looks. She's a beautiful pair of eyes on an otherwise average-looking woman. Different strokes, etc.

I do think she can act, though, although the only thing I really remember seeing her in was the second season (I think) of 'Weeds.' She was good in that.

- WoodyBombay

July 17, 2009 at 12:44pm

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Woody, it's the very average-ness that does it for me. Given the predominance of horse-faced models and boyishly uncurvy actresses in Hollywood, an average-looking woman stands out in a good way. Plus, you know, those eyes, that vintage fashion sense -- and she has a terrific singing voice.

- rhubarbs

July 17, 2009 at 1:13pm

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I actually haven't seen any film in which she's played a significant role, so I can't evaluate her acting ability.  But as far as looks go ... wow.  Maybe not quite as sexy as, say, Scarlett Johansson, but she's awfully cute in this trailer.  And not just her eyes, though those are obviously a highlight.

I'll stop there, lest I begin to sound like Rich Lowry re: Sarah Palin.

- Androscoggin

July 17, 2009 at 1:29pm

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Rhubarbs summarizes the appeal nicely.

- Androscoggin

July 17, 2009 at 1:32pm

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"I need a really pretty face. But, Hey, that's me." - Newman

Never heard her sing, either. Maybe I just don't know anything about this woman.

- WoodyBombay

July 17, 2009 at 1:49pm

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Sadly, I can only remember her for her work in Elf, and you put anyone opposite Will Ferrell they're going to look like emotionless sock puppets. And it's impossible to focus on anything but the fact that Bob Newhart is playing Papa Elf. But she definitely has a nice set of pipes.

- yasminmagari

July 17, 2009 at 2:12pm

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I'll go ahead and say it: Emily Deschanel (of Fox's Bones) > Zooey Deschanel.  

- kerouac9

July 17, 2009 at 2:29pm

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Did none of you see The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy?  Especially at the beginning, where she's wearing fishnets and a top hat and is a dead ringer for Zatanna.  Or perhaps I've revealed too much about myself.

- adaglas

July 17, 2009 at 3:45pm

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Moved and seconded, kerouac9.

Androscoggin, what really brought it home for me was her performance in the 4-hour Sci-Fi (flawed, but not wholly bereft of value) miniseries from last year, "Tin Man."

In my book, if your lead actress manages to work through an entire four-hour-minus-commercial script full of action and adventure and chases and discoveries and setbacks without showing a single emotion on her face, something is terribly wrong.

- austinexpat

July 17, 2009 at 3:50pm

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jhildner:

I hope to see The Hurt Locker this weekend.  I'm kind of surprised I have to drive a half hour to see it at the art house theater, but I'm hoping it's worth the trip.  Of course, I'll be going in blind without one of Mr. Orr's usually spot-on reviews, so the gamble better pay off.

- bcbaird

July 17, 2009 at 5:55pm

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