Movie Review - 'Going The Distance'

Going The Distance Starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long Directed by Nanette Burstein Rated R

A filmmaker myself, I always try to remain impartial when going to see a movie. Despite my wildest efforts, however, my expectations for Going The Distance, the story of a couple who have a six-week summer romance in New York City, and then attempt a prolonged long-distance relationship across the country, were pretty low.  The upside about this film, directed by Nanette Burstein, who produced, wrote, directed, and edited the fabulous adolescent documentary American Teen, is that if you walk in to the theater like I did, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Drew Barrymore’s character, Erin, is a spunky, modern, every-woman, who despite her short-comings in terms of career, does not take the obvious, depressive turn for the melodramatic. Writer Geoff LaTulippe does a wonderful job developing Erin’s intricacies, desires, and indulgences and crafts a character that is as imperfect as she is likable. Barrymore, of course, deserves her credit for this as well, and it is nice to finally see her in a role that audiences can actually care about. Her love interest, Garret, played by Justin Long, is a less dimensional character, but Long’s charm overcomes the text, and the on-screen romance between the two really does work.

Because the romance is the most important element in a film about a long-distance relationship, it seems as though this essential foundation would have made for a pretty good romantic comedy. Unfortunately, LaTulippe’s script does not provide any sort of real conflict until an hour into the film. Then, after you’ve checked your phone a few times, your only reward for sitting there is that the two finally realize after five months that a long-distance relationship is hard. Really? Tell me something I don’t know. Even after this conflict is introduced, the resolution comes so quickly and easily that you kind of wonder why this film was worth making at all.

Rest assured, though, there are some funny moments. Comedian Jim Gaffigan, who plays Christina Applegate’s on-screen husband, is downright hilarious. Applegate pulls her weight, but her character becomes such a parody of itself that it is hard to sympathize with her in the end. Charley Day and Jason Sudeikis who play Long’s roommate and best friend, also have their moments. On the whole, however, their dialogue is so rambling and unnecessary that they quickly go from funny to annoying in nearly every scene.

That said, there are moments that will make your eyes tear up a little bit. You really do begin to care about these two characters, and you want them to be happy together. In the end, isn’t that the most important thing about a romantic comedy?

So, in sum, if you’re thinking of seeing this film, know that the story is lacking. There are no twists and turns, no interesting developments, and no real obstacles other than exactly what you would expect. There are, however, a few funny moments, real screen chemistry, and if you were as worried about Drew Barrymore after He’s Just Not That Into You, as I was, rest assured, she’s still got it. 

Comments

[Vince]

I'm surprised that this film is getting a good number of supporters behind it. The marketing just made the film seem rote, but then again, I enjoy the cast in just about anything they do. I could use something a bit more lighthearted after watching manly man movies like The Expendables, and this might work.

Also, I'm surprised that they went with the R-rating for this film. Good on them for not shying away from the raunchy stuff, but that's pretty unheard of in this day and age.

[Josh]

"A filmmaker myself, I always try to remain impartial when going to see a movie."

I can tell already I'm going to miss Colin Boyd on this site. I do not care for the narcissism or the poor grammar of this opening sentence. If you're going to reference yourself in a movie review at least have the courtesy to be self-depricating or humorous. The introductory sentence puts the focus directly on you and not in a good way. This is not why I come to getthebigpicture.net

[Olivia Briggs]

Sorry Josh. There was no narcissism intended, only an explanation of the fact that I attempt to view other's work in the same way I would like mine viewed, with an open mind. I did not have that in this case. I think it's important for readers to know, in some cases, how the reviewer walked into the film. I'm truly sorry if you don't agree. I will, however, continue to give readers the best reviews I possibly can, as I did with this one. Perhaps, as my reviewing skills grow you will miss Colin less and less. One can only hope.

Vince, I too was surprised about the R rating, and I don't think it's helping them at the box office. It does make it more fun to watch, though. In the current, increasingly conservative, social climate, it is nice to see a movie where they let the characters say and do what anyone would in the same situation. If you love the cast, you'll have fun watching them in this. Go for it.

[scott]

Personaly I think it's great that I can read what a film maker thinks about the movies I may or may not be spending an arm and a leg on. Your opening sentence didn't hurt my feelings at all, you seem like a good addition to the site..... That being said I thought the movie was just ok, fun but nothing amazing. Love Ms. Barrymore!

[PC]

I'm glad I saw this review before making the mistake of buying that golden ticket into a mediocre and predictable movie. As a human myself, I tend to shy away from those films that posess expected outcomes or dwell on the obvious. It seems superfluous to use such a grand budget on a movie that cannot enlighten or inspire thought, no matter how amazing Drew Barrymore is. Personally, I much rather see her next to Diaz and Liu kicking ass than with the Mac guy. Hope this wasn't too much conceit for one response..

[PC]

possess***

[david maslow]

You should really check this out. Its better than most people think it would be.

David Maslow
http://www.foldingcrafttable.org/

[Margo]

Went to watch "Going the Distance", walked out. Don't understand the necessity for every second word being f*&^& and listening to males foul mouths. It’s sad that it’s necessary to subject people to that. If that makes me a prude then so be it. What a waste of money.

What a disappointment!