I'm currently working on an independent film. I'm serving as co-producer on a project called 13 Miles East Nowhere, and it's my first foray into actual feature movie making. I've dabbled in short films and have a few un-produced screenplays to my credit, but I'd never attempted to take that next big step until now. For years, I've been writing about movies. Not because I fancy myself a critic, but because I love film with every fiber of my body. Being on the other side has been an exhilarating experience to be sure. As anyone will tell you, writing about film and working on a film are two entirely different beasts. I only bring this fact up because the wonderful new film 500 Days of Summer is inspiring no matter which side of the professional spectrum you're on. As a fan of movies, it's the kind of flick you always hope to see. As a film maker, it's the kind of movie you hope to make.

I first saw 500 Days of Summer at The Sundance Film Festival and what can I say? I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT! This is simply one of those charming, irresistible films that sticks with you. Trust me when I tell you; this cinematic gem will be 2009's "little indie that could". Little Miss Sunshine, Juno, Slumdog Millionaire, etc. Add 500 Days of Summer to that impressive list. Needless to say, I was extremely excited when I saw this title on the CineVegas itinerary. So excited in fact, that I brought a sizable group of friends and colleagues along to experience what will most certainly be at the top of my best of 2009 list come the end of the year. And for the record, the verdict was unanimous. John, Bernie, Bobby, Donna, Chuck, Jared, and Sarah all loved the film just as much as I did. If you think I'm overselling 500 Days of Summer, wait until you see it.

At the heart of this wonderful film are two joyful performances by Joseph Gordon-Leavitt and Zooey Deschanel. Here's a little prediction for you. In the next few years, Joseph Gordon-Levitt will be one of the big "go to guys" in Hollywood. While many folks will remember Gordon-Levitt from his early days as a regular on 3rd Rock From the Sun, it's the work he's been doing lately that's leaving a long lasting impression. With independent gems like Brick and The Lookout firmly tucked under his belt, Gordon-Levitt has emerged as a major talent. With the bittersweet but immensely entertaining 500 Days of Summer, this talented individual shows us a new side to his versatile repertoire. Likewise, the eccentric Zooey Deschanel is positively dazzling in this picture. Her offbeat nature serves the film well, and those who may only know her from dreck like The Happening will see what's she's truly capable of here. Individually, Deschanel and Gordon Levitt are terrific, but together, they are the personification of picture perfect chemistry.

In 500 Days of Summer Gordon-Levitt plays Tom, a romantic who thinks he may have met the girl of his dreams. The problem is, the girl in question - quirky but delightful Summer (played by Deschanel)- might not be "the one" after all.

Talented first time director Marc Webb and observant screenwriters Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber have fashioned a wonderfully nuanced take on relationships that manages to be light, complex, truthful, funny, and bittersweet all at the same time. Neustadter and Weber's nonlinear approach perfectly compliments the subject matter, because sometimes relationships are messy and erratic. Even though the film does jump around, delving into different stages of Tom and Summer's relationship out of chronological order, the film never feels gimmicky or confusing. In fact, the fashion in which this movie unfolds, only makes the proceedings more poignant. The writing here is a surefire awards contender. At the surface, 500 Days of Summer appears as if it might play as a typical rom-con, but at its heart, its so much more. If anything, this is a romantic comedy for folks who don't like romantic comedies. Neustadter and Weber break down the conventions that generally plague this particular genre making for something much more heartfelt. In this regard, 500 Days of Summer sort of plays like a Cameron Crowe film.

Marc Webb's keen direction is also to be commended. 500 Days of Summer sparkles with energy and never misses a beat. The film even includes a dreamlike musical number which, in any other film, might have felt out of place. Here however, it feels right at home. And watch for a positively heartbreaking split screen sequence in which we see Tom's expectation and reality, play out simultaneously. This is stellar work. Webb is certainly a film maker to watch for in the future.

I really can't say enough nice things about 500 Days of Summer. I could gush for hours about the terrific supporting performances and the film's amazing use of music. I could go on and on about why Gordon-Levitt and Deschanel are the cinematic couple of the year. I could continue to rave about Webb and screenwriters Neustadter and Weber for their wonderfully insightful work. At the risk of continuing to oversell this unforgettable film however, I think I'll just shut up now. 500 Days of Summer speaks for itself, and when you see it, I'm quite certain you'll agree.