Original and realistic - Joseph Gordon-Levitt shines

Rating: 8/10 (16 January 2012)

This movie did not turn out the way I expected it to. The main characters did not end up together, despite popular movie ending-belief. And the movie was built on the idea of love and learning and pain - rather than being solely about love. It was deeper, and although funny at times, sad in other ways. Told in out-of-sequence events, the story of a relationship, although not one meant to be, was poignant and realistic, and ended in many lessons learned, for both the people involved and the viewers. The storyline followed Tom's life in the moments before and after he meets Summer Finn, whom he falls hard for. The events accurately depict the way Summer impacted his thoughts, his feelings, his every action, in almost an unhealthy way. Summer seemed kind of cold at times, but was realistic, and the chemistry between them was definitely tangible. They are almost perfect together - key word, almost. Tom is at believe in true love, destiny, fate, all that. But cynical Summer is a doubter, especially after her parents' divorce when she was young. Through their journey, Summer's point of view opens Tom's eyes and the movie certainly does not shy from showcasing both the ups and the downs of the relationship. Very good. A must-see.