Slick, you may find that a filter will give you those types of results in allot of different lights throughout the day. I have a circular polarizer that you can actually turn to give you more or less effects such as deeper blues in the sky or reds on the car etc.
The canon 50mm it probably the best lens you can get for the money. $100 for the non metal body can't be beat. Search for "nifty fifty" online or the cannon 50mm on craigs and you may be surprised.