December 23, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES II & IV • Page 23 New DVDs include romantic film that defies clichés by Dennis Seuling Technically a romantic drama, “500 Days of Summer” (20th Century Fox Home Entertainment) takes an interesting path in telling its tale. Tom Hansen (Joseph GordonLevitt) is a greeting card writer seeking the girl of his dreams. He thinks he may have found her in new co-worker Summer Finn (Zooey Deschanel). Director Marc Webb takes viewers through the 500 days of their unpredictable relationship, which has high and low points, leading to mixed messages, unfulfilled expectations, and uncertainty. Generally, Hollywood romantic movies deal with a woman who is dedicated to a lasting relationship and a man who is reluctant to commit. In “500 Days of Summer,” the opposite occurs. As time goes on, Tom sees Summer as the perfect life partner, while she seems content with the relationship as it is: uncomplicated and without strings. This drives Tom crazy as he tries to fathom Summer’s mindset, remain patient, and hope she will eventually decide he is worth her commitment. Gordon-Levitt combines a sad puppy look with a frequently perplexed expression, creating a sympathetic portrayal. The movie has an authentic feel. Relationships are never cookie-cutter perfect and finding one’s soul mate is not as easy as is often depicted on the screen. Deschanel is also engaging though, like Tom, the audience is left to wonder why she will not commit to such a nice guy. She has an expressive face, and it is easy to see what she is thinking. She does not have to speak volumes. A look or two will do the trick. Viewers have been so conditioned by Hollywood to react to romance on the screen that it is unsettling to see this relationship is far from ideal, especially because the “District 9” (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment) is a unique science fiction film because it lies between the two extremes of aliens bent on destroying the planet and those trying to understand us. The setting is Johannesburg, (continued on next page) New Year’s Eve Family Party �������������������������������� �������������������������������� �������������� ������������� ������������ Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer (Zooey Deschanel) in ‘500 Days of Summer.’ reasons are never clear. Both are attractive, pleasant people who enjoy being together. The next logical step is commitment, so when that does not happen, the movie leaves viewers seeking answers. Available in both Blu-ray and DVD, “500 Days of Summer” contains 14 minutes of deleted scenes and a commentary track with director Webb, writer Michael Weber, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. ���������������������� ������������ Give The Gift Of The Moon This Holiday Season ������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������ � ��������������������������� �������������������� THE RIDGEWOOD CONSERVATORY PRESENTS … the abridged version! FIRST NIGHT 2010 DATE: NEW YEAR’S EVE - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2009 LOCATION: THE UNITARIAN SOCIETY OF RIDGEWOOD, 113 COTTAGE PLACE, RIDGEWOOD TABBOULE FINE LEBANESE CUISINE 2PM: ‘FIRST NIGHT’ FOR LITTLE FOLK (ages 3-8) ADMISSION - $5 PER PERSON (2PM concert FREE with purchase of 8PM ticket!) The Ugly Duckling featuring Palisades Virtuosi with Oboist Mark Snyder, and narrated by Sandra Billingslea Dancing-Delightful Interlude performed by Lisa Giannone, Early Childhood Dance specialist with special guest Karen Grossman accompanied by Ron Levy “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” narrated and performed by Sandra Billingslea, Sing Along with Miss Joni presenting Joan Swider, Early Childhood Music specialist 8PM: A LITTLE ‘FIRST NIGHT’ MUSIC ADMISSION - $10 PER PERSON (2PM concert FREE with purchase of 8PM ticket!) Lou Caimano and Eric Olsen: Alto Sax / Piano Duo with guest vocalist Mark Wilson Buy one Shawerma, Falafel, Chicken Kabob or Kafta platter and get the second platter for Economic Stimulus Expires: 12/31/09 • Take Out or Eat In $ 00 5 For more info, contact The Ridgewood Conservatory at 201-612-6686 615 Franklin Tpke, 2nd Floor, Ridgewood NJ 07450 or visit RidgewoodConservatory.com TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: THE RIDGEWOOD CONSERVATORY, 615 Franklin Tpke – 2nd Floor DAILY TREAT, 177 E Ridgewood Ave TOWN AND COUNTRY APOTHECARY, 60 E Ridgewood Ave KINGS SUPERMARKET, 112 North Maple Ave Ask us about catering your next luncheon or special occasion! 90 N. Maple Ave., Ridgewood • KING’S Shopping Center 201-444-7044 • Fax: 201-444-7034 12-23-09 kathy/janine