By: Lauren Cohen, The Campus Movie Guru (University of Miami)
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Going the Distance is my idea of the perfect date movie. Its like a mix of your usual romantic comedy, with say, Knocked Up. It delivers more laughs than most of the movies I’ve watched this summer, and actually has an endearing love story to go along with the mass amount of dirty jokes. Both girls and guys will be cracking up throughout, guys wont once contemplate suicide, and girls will have their romance. Win win win.
I honestly found myself grinning, like an actual smile plastered on my face, during certain scenes. I knew that if anyone were to look over at me that I looked like a total idiot, but I couldn’t help it. Some of the earlier scenes that showed Erin (Drew Barrymore) and Garrett (Justin Long) falling for each other felt so real that it seemed like I was watching an actual relationship form before my eyes. Perhaps its because Long and Barrymore have had an on and off again relationship over the past few years. In that case, I think this movie is a sign that they should just get back together for good already, because if the movie is any indication, they are absolutely perfect together. This is the kind of chemistry that all movies are aiming for. Yeah, it has like no plot whatsoever…but that just further proves the strength of the script and the actual dialogue. I can almost imagine how this movie idea was pitched: “Um…it’s about couple who after having a month and a half long fling…decide to continue their relationship long distance…and the difficulties it causes…so, yeah, thats it.” Not all that thrilling, I know. But believe me when I say that there were so many funny moments that it made up for any shortcomings the storyline may have caused (most of these moments owe their success to the relatively unknown yet hysterical Charlie Day as Garrett’s obnoxious best friend Dan), and added a refreshing dose of crudeness that we rarely get to see in these kinds of movies.
The only time the lack of a story was evident was when the story sort of started looping: they take turns going to visit each other, rehash the same concerns about the difficulty of being apart from each other for so long, etc etc. I don’t know how much of a criticism this can be though…I mean, isn’t that what long distance relationships are? The movie took all those possible obstacles that can get in the couples way, and made them of use; not being able to find a job near each other, insane sexual frustration (which leads to phone sex hilarity), jealousy, and just plain missing each others company, its all there. For people who’ve experienced it, they’ll very much be able to relate.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
(if you’re one of the select few that think romantic comedies have spoilers)
Some might criticize the movie for “passing on reality” and taking the “Hollywood ending” approach, but let me ask you this: who the hell cares? You want them to be together all throughout, you want them not to have to sacrifice their careers, and you want them both to live in the same state already, goddammit. Is it so wrong if the movie just gives you what you want?
Rating: B+
