Going the Distance is a run-of-the-mill romantic comedy starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long (the guy from the Mac vs. PC commercials). Drew and Justin fall in love in New York City. But, Drew has to return to Stanford University to complete her degree. So the torment of a long-distance relationship generates the drama in this movie. The factors that lift this predictable film a couple of steps from mediocrity are Charlie Day as “Dan,” Justin’s wacky roommate. He plays a soundtrack of songs while Drew and Justin make out. And then there’s Christina Applegate as Drew’s neat-freak sister. She makes you laugh with her intensity. The writer and director missed an opportunity when Justin wracks his brains for some way to move from NYC to California to be close to Drew. They should have had Justin go on an audition for an Apple commercial. GRADE: B
I knew his face looked familiar in the trailers but couldn’t place him.
Justin Long was also in LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD, Patti. And, if I’m remembering correctly, he was also in HE’S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU. And, of course, those APPLE commercials.
Again, the story doesn’t ring true to me–especially when today many couples are making long-distance relationships work (a lot of times through necessity because of the job market). Also, I’m not sure how old Drew Barrymore is, but surely she’s too old to be playing someone still in college.
Drew Barrymore’s character claims she’s “31” in this movie, Deb. Apparently, she dropped out of school to be in a relationship that didn’t work out. Now, she’s going back to finish her degree when she fails for Justin Long. Like you, I’m not convinced.
Before that he was a teenager in ED, the kid who had a crush on Ed’s girlfriend.
He’s 32, Drew Barrymore is 35.
I wish Ginnifer Goodwin played the Drew Barrymore role, Jeff. I’ve never been much of a Drew Barrymore fan.
Hope you didn’t pay full price, George.
I just mailed off The Perp. You’ve seen a lot of what’s there in my blog, but a print version is nice. I do mention the house hunting thing at the end, but it’s up in the air, just like my last post to the blog.
MY exciting news of the day is I just ordered the new William Kent Krueger novel, which will be in my hands Tuesday afternoon. I drop EVERYTHING for his books.
I’m scrambling to finish MAZES, Rick. My mother-in-law’s brother just died. Diane’s sister is driving up from Ohio to stay with us, we have a wake and a funeral in the next couple of days. So things will be hectic around here.
Sorry to hear that, George, I hope everyone is able to manage the grief and business of dealing with a death. My condolences to you and all your family.
The death did not come as a big surprise, Rick. My mother-in-law’s brother was 91 and had Stage Four cancer of the pancreas. But the aftermath is always stressful. Thanks for your kind condolences.
Don’t tell me that’s Drew in the picture. She looks awful.
Drew Barrymore sure didn’t look like an ingenue, Bob.
I love Ginnifer Goodwin too.
I haven’t started my meager apazine yet – unlike you and Rick – but I’ll get it done next week while Jackie is off partying in Orlando at Harry Potter World and the outlets with Beth & Maggie.
91 is still a good age, though it’s always bad to go out in such a rotten way. Condolences to Diane’s family.
Thanks for your condolences, Jeff. Diane wishes she could be with Jackie and the girls at Harry Potter World, but Life keeps intruding…
Jeff, it’s due in a week, you know.
Yipes! I’d better get going.
Yes Rick, I know. It only takes me a few hours to get four pages done.
I’m hoping to send MAZES to Art tomorrow, Jeff.