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Going the Distance (2010)

Director: Nanette Burstein

Time Out rating

Average user rating

5 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out London

On-off couple Drew Barrymore and Justin Long bring plenty of spark to this irreverent romcom. Barrymore’s Erin is a would-be journo who meets Long’s Garrett during an internship in New York. After she returns to Chicago, they decide to try a long-distance relationship.

What’s both refreshing and problematic is that there’s no emotional imbalance between boy and girl: their feelings are mutual and the obstacle is purely geographical. Their chemistry and mischievous banter are fun, but the story offers little tension and eventually becomes repetitive.

Luckily, the characters have bags of charm: both work hard, play hard and give as good as they get. The night they meet, Garrett’s flatmate plays ’80s love songs through the wall as a soundtrack to their hook-up. Erin feigns offence, but thinks it’s hilarious.

The scene is set for a fun-loving courtship with amusing sidekicks: Christina Applegate is good as Erin’s sister, while Jason Sudeikis is great as Dan’s brash mate. It may tire before the finish line, but ‘Going the Distance’ is still good for a giggle.

Author: Anna Smith

Time Out London Issue 2090, Sept 9-15 2010

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User reviews of this film

Aimeekins said...

Posted on Oct 11 2010 14:14 Er... rather major factual error in the review... Erin moves to San Francisco, not Chicago. Might be a very different film if she had....

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Bunny Boy said...

Posted on Sep 24 2010 11:45 Gratuitous swearing and lavatorial humour drag this boring story-line right down into the gutter where it belongs !

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RayRay said...

Posted on Sep 18 2010 23:14 i thought the film was a brilliant chick flick rom-com, lots of humour! definitely recommend!

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Scrumpyjack said...

Posted on Sep 15 2010 21:09 50% TOO much "cock sucking" type talk drag it down a little, but this was never going to stun anyone anyway. So, forgetting that fault we have a pleasant , engaging adult (so bored of the 12a) rom-com. few beers and a flick type stuff. 6/10

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Cappybear said...

Posted on Sep 14 2010 23:52 Foul-mouthed, genitalia-fixated drivel, devoid of wit or charm. Makes 'Confessions of a Window Cleaner' seem like 'Citizen Kane'.

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