It’s late one night in NYC, and there are two people fated to meet: Garrett –the guy who just got dumped and currently on the rebound and Erin-the 31 year-old intern who can’t make the cut. Their relationship starts fast, steamy, and romantic. But with a deadline of 6 weeks, they can’t get enough of each other. So the long distance story starts.
Going the Distance was directed by Nanette Burstein and produced by New Line Cinema to be released Sep 3, 2010. The key roles of Erin and Garrett were played by the comedic duo of Drew Barrymore and Justin Long, respectively. This movie was rated R for sexual content, language, and drug use. Going the Distance is the classic romantic comedy, but from the perspective of a long distance relationship and the trials that go along with it.
Erin and Garrett meet in a bar on a “down on their luck” night and start a hot summer fling. However, Erin tells Garrett from the very beginning that she’s going back to San Francisco to finish graduate school in 6 weeks. When the time comes for her to go back, Garrett tells her that he doesn’t want to end what they had together; so, they start a long distance relationship, despite the ridicule received from friends and family. They go through the struggles and insecurities any couple would go through in the same situation. They try their hardest to make the relationship worthwhile, when, from the very start, it was all about sex and other physical perks of being an exclusive couple with no emotional aspect. However, that eventually leads up to the declarations of love.
A key moment that turned the movie around and set it on its course would be the scene when Garrett is dropping Erin off at the airport for the first time. The entire car ride is silent and awkward and both of them are very hesitant toward each other. When she gets out and goes in, he makes a split second decision and chases after her to demand that they keep their relationship going, despite the miles between them.
Going the Distance is intended for a female audience of the ages 18 to 24. I would not recommend this movie as a priority “must see,” but it is good for a few laughs. Throughout the entire mainstream movie, Erin had a very annoying tendency to vent and rant her relationship troubles to her coworkers, but she was very loyal and committed to her relationship.
Garret was just way too confused about life and everything in general; however, he was very amusing in his overall confusion. It was one of those movies that someone would watch one time and might not see again for ten years and will remember why they have not seen it for so long.
