It's tough to make a film in the romantic comedy genre that really stands out. There is definitely a formula and, for the most part, it works well. People know what they're going to get and they still come out anyway. I love a good fluff movie from time to time. It's nice to escape from the day to day crap that brings us down and curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and have a good cry. Not that I know anything about that.
Going the Distance succeeds in a different way. It sets itself apart by showing a beautiful story without taking real life out of the mix. It's a very believable film from the situations, jobs and actor interactions. There's even a scene where Drew Barrymore and Justin Long are having dinner at a NYC restaurant that looks like it is being filmed on a flip camera. Sure it's only for a minute or two of the movie but that real life aspect is what kept me wanting more.
It shouldn't come as a surprise that Drew Barrymore and Justin Long are a perfect fit for the lead roles. They don't even appear to be acting through most of the movie. Then again, I think they were actually together during the filming. I did find it to be a little more vulgar than I was expecting but thinking more about it, that's exactly how my friends would talk to me if I had been in that situation. In fact, there was one scene that featured one of the guys on the toilet with the bathroom door open trying to talk to the others. I distinctly remember being a part of a similar situation while in college. I assure you I was not the one sitting on the commode.
The supporting cast can sometimes make or break a movie. Old School is a perfect example. The film is about Luke Wilson and Vince Vaughn's characters but Will Ferrell ends up nearly stealing the show. Justin Long's buddies, played by Charlie Day (Always Sunny In Philadelphia) and Jason Sudeikis (SNL), compliment him perfectly and add just the right amount of instigation and humor. Also, Christina Applegate pulls off the role of the over protective worrying older sister of Drew Barrymore perfectly.
It's rare that both men and women will be able to equally appreciate a film in this genre but I think this one is up to the task. It's a great example of a situation where a guy can earn brownie points for suggesting a trip to the theaters to see a romantic comedy and he'll even end up enjoying himself. Will you miss out on anything if you wait to rent this one? No. That being said, I still think it's worthy of a weekend trip to the theater.
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