Going the Distance

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.