They are the ultimate bane of college couples everywhere, the straw that has broken the backs of countless relationships and ended thousands of blossoming romances–– LDR’s, or (to the less hip), Long Distance Relationships. As it happens, they are also the subject of the recently released romantic comedy “Going the Distance,” starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long (known more commonly as “The Mac Guy” from Apple’s Mac vs. PC campaign). “Going the Distance” delves deep into the nuances, both amusing and awkward, permeating cross-country love.
”Surprising” is just the word to describe this new film. From the first five minutes, in which Long’s character, Garrett, is dumped for failing to understand the ridiculous oddities of the female gender, “Going the Distance” goes all the way in every way, constantly throwing in new laughable shocks and unexpected turns.
Some surprises spawn bouts of laughter, particularly those created by Garrett’s hilarious best friends, Dan (Charlie Day) and Box (Jason Sudeikis). Others deliver substantial servings of laughable awkwardness.
The picture is also surprisingly crude, from numerous blatantly sexual comments to scenes of partial nudity, and even a scandalously dirty scene of “phone sex.” In a culture obsessed with movies like the Hangover, this may have been the creator’s attempt to attract an audience beyond just the typical young women with their reluctant dates or movie reviewers.
Consequently, there is an unhealthy, though admittedly humorous, smattering of innuendos, morally questionable moments and outright vulgar remarks. These almost propel the movie out of the “chick flick” category entirely. Most should probably refrain from going the distance or paying the cash for the experience–– but if you have a somewhat twisted funny bone, it may provide bring some comic relief to an otherwise hectic schedule.
As for the plot, there are, of course, a surprising amount of surprises. There is a simple freshness, at least as far as most romantic comedies are concerned. Also, the novelty of the LDR situation adds some seasoning, both comedic and romantic, to what would otherwise be a typically “girly” movie.
Opening in New York, “Going the Distance” follows Garrett and Erin as they search for love and meaning after bad breakups. Struggling for success in the music and newspaper industries respectively, the two meet over an outdated arcade game in a bar–– just one example of the film’s unique quirkiness. Despite her warning that she is soon leaving for school across the country, the two fall for each other in a matter of weeks.
In the normally predictable smitten-guy-chases-beautiful-woman-into-airport scene, Garrett throws the audience another surprise when he lets the girl get away. This launches the long-distance relationship that will dominate the last hour of the picture. From there, the timeline becomes a series of phone calls and short visits, as the couple struggles to keep the fire burning. Slowly, all this builds up to a shocking turn, followed by a slightly more classic conclusion.
“Going the Distance” looked and felt very much like something of a movie festival film, only with higher-grade actors and actresses. With simple shot, lots of eccentricities and an initially unconventional idea, this movie will leave you feeling both sad and happy, tense and relieved. It somehow combines tasteless joking with serious insights into cross-country dating and even a small helping of tear-jerking, emotional strain. All in all, it is a show of entertaining surprises. It is also a pleasantly fun date movie, as long as your date doesn’t mind a little crudity.
