IT’S A ROMANTIC COMEDY. ANY QUESTIONS?
Director: Didn’t this thing just direct itself?
One of the great things about useless romantic comedies is how easily they break down into question and answer form. Observe the Drew Barrymore-Justin Long long-distance get-together Going the Distance.
Q: Is it funny?
A: Eh, not bad. The leads dish out their easygoing dirty-mouthed patter with bland precision, and there is a bottom-barrel Zach Galiwhatever guy-talk character, the present-day cinematic equivalent of the bedbug invasion. In the end, it doesn’t ask you to remember a single gag or line, so you can use that space in the memory bank for more important mental pursuits.
Q: Do you want the couple to get together?
A: Yes. If the script or the star pairing makes it seem like they’re forcing the couple together, then you have a disaster (or at least Slumdog Millionaire) on your hands. Fortunately, Drew Barrymore is at the top of her rom-com game here. Don’t read me in that tone of voice. Actually, one might say she’s above her usual rom-com game, as we actually like her and wish for good things to happen for her.
Q: Does it have anything to do or say? Or does the whole thing hinge on getting the couple together?
A: Nope, nothing to say whatsoever. The whole thing hinges on getting the couple together. If you are looking for any grand insight into relationships, or even minimally original insight into having a long-distance relationship, Going the Distance is not the film for you.
Q: Does it make you feel like an idiot?
A: No. And wow, was that a new experience!
Q: Should you go?
A: Is your girlfriend asking? Then of course, sweetheart.
kevinbowen @ stageandcinema.com
now playing nationwide
Going the Distance
Grade: C
Cast: Drew Barrymore, Justin Long, Christina Applegate, Other people who are just happy to be in a movie.
Director: Didn’t this thing just direct itself?
One of the great things about useless romantic comedies is how easily they break down into question and answer form. Observe the Drew Barrymore-Justin Long long-distance get-together GOING THE DISTANCE.
Q: Is it funny?
A: Eh, not bad. The leads dish out their easygoing dirty-mouthed patter with bland precision, and there is a bottom-barrel Zach Galiwhatever guy-talk character, the present-day cinematic equivalent of the bedbug invasion. In the end, it doesn’t ask you to remember a single gag or line, so you can use that space in the memory bank for more important mental pursuits.
Q: Do you want the couple to get together?
A: Yes. If the script or the star pairing makes it seem like they’re forcing the couple together, then you have a disaster (or at least SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE) on your hands. Fortunately, Drew Barrymore is at the top of her rom-com game here. Don’t read me in that tone of voice. Actually, one might say she’s above her usual rom-com game, as we actually like her and wish for good things to happen for her.
Q: Does it have anything to do or say? Or does the whole thing hinge on getting the couple together?
A: Nope, nothing to say whatsoever. The whole thing hinges on getting the couple together. If you are looking for any grand insight into relationships, or even minimally original insight into having a long-distance relationship, GOING THE DISTANCE is not the film for you.
Q: Does it make you feel like an idiot?
A: No. And wow, was that a new experience!
Q: Should you go?
A: Is your girlfriend asking? Then of course, sweetheart.
kevinbowen @ stageandcinema.com