I was looking forward to seeing Going the Distance. I love Justin Long, Drew Barrymore, and Christina Applegate, so I thought I was sure to be in for a real treat. I got a lot of laughs out of the movie, but I also got an odd sense of disappointment.
Drew Barrymore plays Erin, a 31-year-old woman who put her life on hold and is now finally catching up. Except for not wanting to give her life up over a relationship, when Erin and Garrett get together, it’s not really relevant. Drew Barrymore is funny in her delivery of the lines, and whatever emotions she conveys you believe, but Erin just really isn’t a likable character. She’s wishy-washy and cares too much about what others think instead of being willing to do what’s right for herself.
Justin Long plays Garrett, a man who works at a music label and always wants to do more, but never tries. Garrett gets out of a long relationship the same day he meets Erin. Justin Long is funny, and at times my heart really goes out to Garrett, but like Erin, he’s not that likable of a character.
Christina Applegate plays Corrine, Erin’s sister. I like Corrine. She’s always in mother-mode and is very protective of her sister. I’ve never seen Christina Applegate in a role quite like Corrine before, and I felt that it was good for her. Corrine has her feelings and opinions always out in the open, so even if she’s disapproving, you know why she is and that her intentions are good.
Charlie Day was absolutely hilarious as Dan. I don’t think Dan had a serious moment in the whole movie, but that was just the nature of his character. He’s so socially inept that even when he’s being serious, it is hilarious. Charlie Day just has perfect timing and a believability about him that made everything he said seem so honest but so stupid and you can’t help but laugh.
The dialogue for the movie was witty and quick. There were good back and forth conversations amongst all the characters, and silence took on a tone of its own. Of course, there was one repeated piece of dialogue that got to me after awhile. “Long distance relationships are hard. I know, I’ve been there!” I don’t know that many people who’ve been in long distance relationships, and it makes it even harder to believe that almost every single person in the movie has been in a long distance relationship. I also never really believed that the characters were into each other enough to sustain a long distance relationship. When they talked to each other, it was always flat, and there was always this underlying distrust and feeling that they wanted to kill each other. It could have been the distance taking its toll on them, but I still don’t see how they made it past a couple of months.
The thing that irked me the most about Going the Distance was a total lack of soundtrack. It just felt especially bad since Garrett, the male lead, works for a music label. There were parts of the movie that were scored, and you could hear music when a band was on screen, but there was only two times when the characters referenced music that you could hear it. Even worse were club scenes that were supposed to be loud, but there would be no music at all. I wonder if my theater got a bad copy, and I really hope that’s the case, but it’s jarring to know there should be music but be unable to hear it.
Overall, Going the Distance is a mediocre movie. For every good moment, there’s a bland moment. It’s a good romantic comedy that seems to pander to the males who get dragged to see romantic comedies. It’s probably better to rent it, though – I know I will to solve the mystery of the soundtrack.
Actually, I loved this movie. About the long distance thing… I actually know a lot of people who have done it- myself included. I think it happens now more than you think. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I’m in college?
I’m not really sure what you mean when you say they didn’t really seem that into each other. I thought they did. I also didn’t pick up on a lack of soundtrack. I think it may have been your theatre. I recommend watching it again!