Audiences are getting spoiled. Two romantic comedies with real believable characters in one year (also, Adventureland). (500) Days of Summer features Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel as lovers whose relationship is doomed to fail. Levitt carries the movie with ease and Deschanel is her usual lovable self. There's fantastic chemistry between the two as well.
     Director Marc Webb takes a lot of risks and they very nearly all work out. There is a fantasy dance sequence, art film parody, and an extended split-screen scene. There are some touches of Wes Anderson, especially in the narration, but never to the same level of pretentiousness. Everything is done in service of exploring this relationship and the differences between the two characters which tear them apart. It reminded me of a Woody Allen film at times, yet with far more visual flair.
     And oh man is it funny. This is not one of those films that are called romantic "comedies" but really just give you romance. This is one of the funniest films of the year. Most of the humor comes out of the awkwardness of the characters, but there are plenty of more blatant laugh out loud moments as well.

Buy: 

(500) Days of Summer