I agree with all the points brought up about why the line works from a character and thematic level. Also, it fits the tone of the film. To say that a cheesy line like this "cheapens" the film suggests that perhaps there's tonal inconsistency. Any movie in which the protagonist dances with animated birds to a Hall and Oates song whilst being winked at by Han Solo should be allowed to end with some clever word play, no?

Now if a line like this happened in a film like Garden State (a film I love but takes itself a little too seriously), then it would "cheapen" it.

i liked it. you can only know if you've learned from a past relationship by your actions with your next significant other

I don't understand how this line is a cheat. Where's the cheat?

I too would have been dancing around the room had I been the one to come up with "I'm Autumn." It really is the perfect line. The perfect way to end the film.

That line a lone makes me want to follow the careers of those two for a long time.

I think the line was definitely appropriate and it is perfect to end without showing his final reaction.

I don't think the question of the movie is whether Tom learns a lesson about love or not. After all, Summer validates his prior views about love, but at the same time points out that he focused them on the wrong person. There IS true love out there in the world of the movie. But has Tom found it by the end? If he has to learn any lesson, maybe it's to not have his well-being determined by an infatuation.

Quibbles aside, it really is the perfect ending to this movie. I love how the final card is a simple (1). What does this mean? Is it the beginning of yet another cycle of infatuation followed by post-partum depression? Or is a new beginning? You're absolutely right, Scott, for the filmmakers to show Tom's final reaction would be selling out, giving a note of finality to what is meant to be an open-ended ending.

Sounds like the ultimate sound-sound transition. It even throws in a little sense-memory.

Haven't seen it. Only go to superhero movies at present.

ABSOLUETLY LOVED the ending of "(500) Days of Summer." It's the start of a new love in this sensitive guy's life. How is that a cheat? I thought it was brilliant. Wasn't so enamored with the Summer Finn character... But that's off topic.

Billy Mernit did a great breakdown of this movie in his "Answered Prayers" post in July of 2009. IF you're interested you can read it at this Web address:

http://livingromcom.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/07/index.html

- E.C. Henry from Bonney Lake, WA

I just watched this film for the first time yesterday and I actually really liked the ending. I thought it was perfect. You're right...what other name would have worked? Especially since the entire movie/title depended on the play on the name Summer.

I liked it. A little cheesy but it worked.

I felt nothing but repulsion. Mind you, I nearly puked at the song and dance routine. I'm in the minority here, I know, but there's just something about wussy male leads that just makes me want to shake them till they man up.

Yeah, yeah, I'm getting old - time to step out of that demographic.

Any chance they came up with the Summer and Autumn names at the same time? I bet Summer's first draft name was something like Jenny or Heather...

Loved the line.