Going the Distance

Jeri Jacquin, Movie Maven

Opening in theatres this Friday from director Nanette Burstein and New Line Cinema is a comedy about what it takes to find love and “Going the Distance”.

The film tells the story of Garrett (Justin Long) a single guy who just can’t seem to get it right in the love department. That is until he meets Erin (Drew Barrymore), a journalist intern who is a whirlwind unto herself.

Erin makes it plain from the start that she isn’t interested in anything long term as she’s returning to California to finish her education. But love intervenes as Erin and Garrett decide to try having a long distance relationship until Erin can return to Chicago.

Thus begins the phone calls and emails to keep their relationship alive. Her germaphobic sister Corinne (Christina Applegate), wants what’s best for her sister and is a constant reminder in her ear about what Garrett “could” being doing.

In New York, Garrett is hearing it from his roommate Dan (Charlie Day) and best friend Box (Jason Sudeikis) about the difficulties of long distance relationships which cause him to worry.

But, when Garrett and Erin are together they have a wonderful time but, as more time goes by and each are into their jobs, it becomes clear that decisions are going to have to be made about the “long distance” part of their long distance relationship.

Something’s gotta give!

FINAL WORD: Barrymore was interesting in the no holds character. She was as comfortable in her role as the girlfriend that could easily fit in a room full of guys. There is nothing new here in character for Barrymore and that is the shame of it, been there done that kind of role

Long was sensitive and quirky as Garrett and, truth be told, this film seemed more about his reactions to their relationship. He wants to finally get love right and picks the hardest way to go about doing it. This is a safe role for Long and that’s that.

Friends Sudeikis and Day are hysterical in their views on love, being a guy and dating and even if a little twisted, are charming. It was nice to see Applegate in this small, but funny role.

Other cast include: Ron Livingston as Will, Oliver Jackson-Cohen as Damon, Jim Gaffigan as Phil, Natalie Morales as Brandy, Kelli Garner as Brianna and Rob Riggle as Ron.

This humor is far more grittier than usual for a romantic comedy but I think that was the most refreshing part of this film. The mix up of guy and gal humor is grand but its just not enough to hold the film – or my attention.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give “Going the Distance” two and a half tubs of popcorn out of five. It is definitely a quirky romantic comedy with more emphasis on comedy. It’s actually done well and has something for both guys and gals.

This definitely isn’t a kid friendly film with its high sexual content and adult language. It’s a date night movie for those in the mood for a chick flick with a twist! Don’t go with any other expectations and you won’t be disappointed.

In the end it’s about meeting each other half way.