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Going The Distance: Movie Review

JC — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:52 +0000

Those who’ve fallen victim to the L.A. media craze should certainly have a field day with this one. Hollywood’s favorite on again/ off again couple, Justin Long and Drew Barrymore team up for Fall’s most anticipated rom-com, Going The Distance. The Warner Bros. release is directed by Nanette Burstein and also stars Christina Applegate, Charlie Day, Ron Livingston, Jason Sudeikis, and Oliver Jackson-Cohen.

Check out the review below…

The Players:

Director: Nanette Burstein
Screenwriter: Geoff LaTulippe
Cast: Drew Barrymore, Justin Long, Christina Applegate, Charlie Day, Ron Livingston, Jason Sudeikis, Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Cinematography: Eric Steelberg
Original Music By: Mychael Danna

The Plot:

Garrett (Long) is a typical dude in his 20′s: turned off by the idea of commitment and clueless when it comes to the female playing field. The film opens with him mid-break up, and his roommates (obviously) dragging him to a bar. Here, he meets Erin (Barrymore) while she’s dominating his favorite arcade game. They hit it off immediately, and after a great first date, Erin reveals that she’s only in town for the summer and will be returning to grad school in San Francisco in six weeks (aka, she doesn’t want anything serious). Naturally, it gets serious, and they give a long distance relationship a shot. Will it succeed?

The Good:

Realistic: Most romantic comedies like, say, Barrymore and Long’s He’s Just Not That Into You really push the realistic envelope. Yes, the genre allows for heightened dramatics, romantic gestures, gut-wrenching break ups, etc – but what’s pleasantly surprising about Going The Distance is its relatively normal story line with its relatively normal characters. Two people meet, they like each other, they date, they struggle with distance…roll credits. Unlike the standard rom-com, this movie won’t pollute the already questionable mindsets of young girls – it’t making a realistic commentary on relationships.
Dialogue: Though a large portion of this was most likely improvised, the dialogue is hysterical. I’m talking laugh out loud/holding back tears hysterical. LaTulippe has done an excellent job capturing not only contemporary “lingo” but his portrayal of modern relationships (romantic and otherwise) is impressively spot on. The supporting roles weren’t just peripherally featured as the voices on the other end of the telephone or the goofy colleagues – they were involved in the story, impacting – and impacted by – the Garrett and Erin’s relationship.
Barrymore/Long: These love birds have been on and off for years so the flawless on-screen chemistry in no surprise. Regardless, it’s worth noting. Both have sharp comedic timing and emotional capacity. Their performances were very genuine: they seemed like they were legitimately having a blast, legitimately in love, and during the not so pleasant scenes, they seemed legitimately heart broken.

The Bad:

Victim of the Genre: I often find that it’s difficult to point out the bad sides of rom-com’s because clearly these movies should be taken for what they are: mindless, entertaining chick flicks. There was no particularly earth-shattering message or Oscar-worthy performance, but this is all genre appropriate in my book.

Overall:

Again, if you know what you’re getting into, you’ll probably enjoy this.

Rating: 5/10

Going the Distance opens in theaters everywhere September 3, 2010.

Photo Gallery:

Trailer:

Do you plan on seeing Going The Distance this Labor Day weekend?

Interview: Drew Barrymore and Justin Long Talk Going the Distance

Mali Elfman — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:30:29 +0000

This week in theaters Drew Barrymore and Justin Long star in a modern day romantic comedy (which seems almost biographical) about a couple torn apart by dueling coasts in Going the Distance. The couple managed to somehow pull off a relationship on and off screen despite all the nasty rumors circling around them. Not too long ago we got a chance to sit down with both of them at a press conference and talk a little bit about making the film.

Barrymore seems so at ease in front of a group of people and Long was cracking a number of jokes which kept it entertaining. They swapped a number of cute comments to one another, calling the other person a good kisser and what not. It, like the movie, was somehow managed to avoid being cheesy and was actually rather charming.

Check out the cute couple talking about Going the Distance below…

Drew, Erin is more modern, sassy, and outspoken than some of the rom-com characters you’ve played. I wonder if the fact that she was a more maybe a modern woman attracted you to the part?

DB: Yeah, I definitely was excited to play — I just wasn’t in that place in my life where I wanted to play a cuckoo, wacky role-reversal sort of scenario. I wanted to play someone — you’re all travelers, and you try to make distance work with relationships, and someone who can hang out with guys, and loves women, but isn’t like, has spine and is funny and I feel like I relate to that kind of person right now in my life, so it was a pleasure for me to get to improv and work on a much more free-flowing way where you could play around and you don’t have to be so censored, because you had an R-rating. That, to me, was just an absolute pleasure.

What was the most challenging scene?

DB: My most challenging, well, one of the challenges I was most excited about was doing the drunk scene. Me and Nanette (Burstein) really focused on what type of drunk is she, and what can we ad-lib, and what can be spontaneous, like, if you were really angry, how would you just let loose? It was the most fun day at work ever, because I just really just let loose.

JL: I would say some of the naked stuff was a little uncomfortable, but I think the most challenging was trying to keep a straight face around these two clowns (referring to Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day). A lot of this intimate, sexual stuff around a room full of 30, 40 grown men, that was a challenge.

I thought the casting of Christina Applegate and Drew as sisters was genius. Both of both started in this business when you were kids, and you’ve lived your whole life in the public eye. When did you realize that you were going to have this relationship of your personal life with the rest of the world, and how has it affected you?

DB: I thought it was interesting. I felt like we started to really look alike, which I thought was cool. I love when people cast siblings that actually feasibly could have come from the same womb, so I felt like we started to morph. We used to be in a dance class together when we were kids, but she looked really good in spandex, and I did not. I was horrified, in the corner, but I’ve known her forever! We have a lot of parallels; it worked for us.

The key moment in any romantic comedy is that first kiss. When you see something like that in a script, is it something you think about, or is it just part of the role, and you just think of it as one more part of the role?

JL: (Jokingly) Yeah, I was like, “necessary evil.” Okay. Here we go. No, the first kiss for us, in the movie, was very sloppy, we were drunk….

DB: Stoned!

JL: We were stoned! Sorry. We were stoned and it was just so easy to do, we’re so comfortable. I like to think about my grandmother. Just because she’s always been an inspiration to me, in my life. (Laughs) No, I think you just hope that you’re invested in the scene, hopefully, and sometimes it can be a surprise when you’ve never kissed anyone before you’ve just met recently, and people have different ways with kissing, and sometimes it can be very jarringly uncomfortable. There can be very little movement involved, and then a quick, sudden movement from the tongue that you don’t expect.

DB: I just was lucky, for me, because he’s a good kisser. So I was like, Phew! Thank God. It’s the worst when you’re kissing someone who’s not a good kisser, and you’re trying to make it look good, and you feel like you’re just working on your own. At least it was a real team effort.

JL: She’s a great kisser too, I just want to reiterate. Right back at you.

Was the phone sex scene scripted or off the cuff?

DB: I think the Marky Mark was written, for sure and I was so excited to hit that. I really wanted to hit hard.

JL: I think you told him that and he got. remember that?

DB: I did tell him that. I ran into him at an award show and I was like, “I just talked about how hot you are in your underwear and you’re sexy.”

JL: It didn’t go over great. I think in his defense, it is a strange thing to just come up and say. I don’t think he was prepared for it but I think he was flattered.

DB: Who would not be excited about that? And he’s a very nice guy. I’ve had other conversations with him that went much better than that. Nothing against him for sure. That was a great scene written and I was really excited to go out there and try it because I just thought this is one of those things that’s going to fail miserably and be a really gross, upsetting moment or it could be fun and exciting. It was just one of those scenes you just have to kind of go for it not knowing if it’s going to work or not but don’t compromise along the way because you’re afraid of it.

And you were on the phone with each other?

DB: We shot it simultaneously.

JL: We were comparing who had a more awkward experience, me as a guy in front of a room full of men simulating masturbation, or Drew. I said, All the guys in my room, all the crew guys were trying to make jokes to keep it light. They were making sex jokes. So it made it kind of more awkward. I’d have to laugh and then get into this weird sexual mode. But I think Drew had it more awkward because she said everyone in the room was being stone cold silent and respectful and it made it that much weirder for her. They were tiptoeing around and like, whispering. But then Nanette kept coming over to me and she kept describing cinematically how to masturbate, how it would look better if I (he demonstrated different ways of masterbating with his hand)… She’s like, “You know, try kinda up like this. You can kind of go in like this.” I was like, Nanette, “I think I know how to do it. I’ve had a lot of experience.”

How did it feel to have a real ensemble in the group of actors you guys assembled for this movie?

DB: I find that films for me watching them work best when you’re kind of really invested in the whole group of people. I love films, whether it’s like a Judd Apatow or Christopher Guest, they have this great sort of alumni quality and you’re just really into all the people in it. You really like the people’s world so when you cut back and forth between a couple and it’s like their friends or family or it’s just this group of people interacting, I love when the chemistry goes far beyond just the couple. This movie stands on that and Jim Gaffigan who’s not in this room right now, I almost sabotaged every single one of his takes because he’s so funny. I think this movie, if you like it, at least one of the reasons I like it best is because of all everybody in it.

JL: I pride myself on being able to hold it together and being stable and keep it together. I’ve never had a harder time keeping a straight face than working with these guys. Rob Riggle and Kristen Schall, we were so lucky to be surrounded by all these people.

DB: I ruined most of her takes. I felt terrible.

Do you see this as a recession romance?

DB: I just feel like I personally want something that I can escape into and sort of forget what’s going on around me, but I don’t want to lose sight of being able to relate to something. So for me, I just want that beautiful striking balance. I feel like this film has that. I’m laughing, but I’m crying and relating and emotional about it. I feel like it gets surprisingly real, but then it does come and save you and make you laugh. I think the question is more eloquent than the answer actually.

JL: I disagree. I was indifferent about the question and I loved the answer. I also think the fiscal realities of both the characters play a large part and it was nice to see that played out, something that a lot of people, especially now can relate to and just the things that you take for granted when you enter into a long distance relationship, chief among them the logistics. Just getting from point A to B and what is involved with that.

DB: You’re like I can’t. You want to see each other but you can’t because of money or schedule.

JL: I ran out of fuel for my hot air balloon.

DB: Exactly. Obligation, absolutely.

Check out Barrymore and Long in Going the Distance September 3rd!

The film also has a brilliant supporting cast which including Christina Applegate, Jason Sudeikis, and my favorite “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s,” Charlie Day. Watch the trailer below….

Going the Distance Pushed to September

Mali Elfman — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:15:04 +0000

We just received an e-mail from Warner Brothers letting us know about a rather last minute swap for the release date of their upcoming rom-com Going The Distance starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long. The film was originally supposed to be released on August 27th 2010 but has just been pushed to September 3rd 2010, which also happens to be Labor Day weekend (not quite as big of deal as “The Will Smith Blockbuster Weekend” aka 4th of July weekend, but still a money-maker!).

The move makes senses, seeing as they don’t have much competition over the big weekend from The American or Machete, and Eat Pray Love won’t still be pulling in as many viewers… the only odd thing is why they didn’t think of this sooner? Someone get a really large sharpie and start fixing those billboards! Dan Fellman, Warner Bros. Pictures President of Domestic Distribution released a statement as to why they’ve made the swap…

“Moving to the Labor Day weekend not only allows us to take advantage of the long holiday weekend, but gives us some distance from the other female-driven films releasing in August. Additionally, we have an opportunity to build more awareness and word-of-mouth for a movie we believe has strong appeal for a broad audience.”

Yeap. Makes sense. Long weekend. More viewers. Less competition. More money! Well, at least they’re hoping!

Check out the trailer for the Going the Distance now!

What do you think about the swap in dates? Think it’ll help it make the film more of a hit?

Trailer: Going to Distance – The Longing Text Message

Mali Elfman — Fri, 21 May 2010 20:17:55 +0000

Damn! And here I thought this film had promise. I really hope that this is just a bad trailer and not a real representation of the film that was supposed to be a realistic romantic comedy. Going the Distance stars the on-again-off-again-real-life couple Drew Barrymore and Justin Long and is by first time feature film director Nanette Burstein and was written by first time/Black List writer Geoff LaTulippe.

They do have quite a promising supporting cast, aside from our two lead characters the film co-stars Christina Applegate, Jason Sudeikis, Ron Livingston, Kelli Garner (who was so adorable in Lars and a Real Girl) and my favorite “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s,” Charlie Day.

Check out the trailer below…

I preferred it when people had to look longingly out of a window instead of texting someone. Seems like a lot of actors, acting with their phones, which is really not very fun to watch.

The film was is supposed to be an honest “look at the trials and tribulations of a long-distance relationship,” but from the trailer, all I see is another, new wave, cheesy romantic comedy without much substance. That being said, there’s enough backing it for me to reserve judgment until I get to see a bit more.

What do you think? Cheesy rom-com or romantic genius?

Jason Sudeikis Lands Two Films

Laura Aguirre — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:18:31 +0000

SNL‘s Jason Sudeikis has decided to take on two films this summer. Already in the works is Bounty Hunter, an action-comedy film starring Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler– interesting, I wonder what that will produce with funny man Sudeikis in the mix. And now, the 33 year-old is signed to appear in Nanette Burstein’s comedy Going The Distance, starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long, alongside Christina Applegate and Charlie Day.

In Going The Distance, Sudeikis’ will play Long’s best friend Box, who apparently advises him to end the long-distance relationship he has with Barrymore.

Bounty Hunter is set to come out next year, and Going The Distance is set for 2011. However, it seems like both films will be worth the wait because both casts are fairly strong– with Sudeikis partnered up with Long and Barrymore, who knows what will happen.

Do you think Sudeikis will be able to pull through and shine next to these big-name actors?

Christina Applegate is Going the Distance

Krystal Clark — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:40 +0000

If you were a fan of Christina Applegate‘s now defunct TV comedy Samantha Who, here’s some semi-decent news for you. The show is still canceled, but the actress got another job. According to Yahoo News, Applegate has just signed on to co-star in the upcoming romantic comedy, Going the Distance. She will be joining It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Charlie Day and the two headliners Drew Barrymore and Justin Long.

Going the Distance centers on a couple (Barrymore and Long) as they struggle to make a long distance relationship work. The film will be directed by Nanette Burstein, with a script written by Geoff LaTulippe. Applegate will star as Barrymore’s sister, and Day will portray Long’s best friend. Over at THR, they recently spoke to the Philadelphia star about his jump from TV to film, which he credits mostly to good scheduling.

It’s a year-round gig so it’s made it tough to do movies,” said Day. “I couldn’t just up and take (the role). I had to sit down with the guys and work out a schedule and say, ‘If you’re comfortable, I’m going to be doing a bit of flying back and forth.’… It has to be very interesting for us to bow out of our responsibility and pass the buck.”

Even though It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is currently shooting their 5th season, Christina Applegate is obviously looking for new opportunities. The actress was last seen in the comedy The Rocker, and will be one of the featured voices in the upcoming Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Sqeakuel. Sounds exciting.

What do you think of the latest additions to Going the Distance?

Justin Long to Star in Going the Distance

Krystal Clark — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:20:20 +0000

My favorite Mac guy Justin Long is getting his time to shine by headlining his latest project. Long was last seen in the romantic comedy ensemble He’s Just Not That in to You, where he had a supporting role alongside Jennifer Aniston and Ben Affleck. According to Variety the actor has just signed on to star in the film Going the Distance. The film is another romantic comedy that will be centered on Long’s character as he struggles to make a long distance relationship work.

Going the Distance will be directed by Nanette Burstein and produced by Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot via their Offspring Entertainment banner. The script was written by Geoff LaTulippe, and centers on the long distance relationship of a young couple who realize that they may be better off dating someone closer to home. In an interesting twist the film director Burstein is best known for being a documentary filmmaker. She was tapped by New Line to direct this project back in November.

Justin Long’s naturally funny in everything he does, but he has appeared in a few dark movies. Some people don’t know he starred in the 2001 horror film Jeepers Creepers. Yeah, that was him getting his eyes gutted. It was hard to watch, so I like seeing him in lighter fare. Next on his agenda are the films Youth Revolt and Sam Raimi’s Drag Me to Hell, where he’ll be returning to his dark roots.

Will you check out Long in his first big headlining role?

ScreenCrave.com » going the distance

Going The Distance: Movie Review

The Players:

The Plot:

The Good:

The Bad:

Overall:

Rating: 5/10

Photo Gallery:

Trailer:

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