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Erin (Drew Barrymore) is getting a late start on her dreams. At 31, she's finally finishing college with an internship at a New York newspaper. With just six weeks to go before returning to San Francisco to complete her education, she meets Garrett (Justin Long) over a classic game of Centipede.

With similar quirky senses of humor and more than a little disarming honesty, the two quickly pair up. From the beginning, they know that any relationship they have is limited to the next month and a half, so they promise to keep it light and casual. It doesn't work.

Six weeks later, Erin is packed to leave, and Garrett is pretending that's okay. Despite their best efforts, the two are soon burning up the phone lines between the coasts. Erin's sister, Corinne (Christina Applegate) is dismayed knowing that a relationship over such a distance is hard. In fact, it's all but impossible.

The plot seems very simplistic and I suppose that it is. But Garrett's eccentric roommate Dan (Charlie Day) and Erin's sister's personality quirks add real spice to most scenes, and the very real chemistry between the main characters (Barrymore and Long have had a real life on-off-on relationship) transcends the simplicity and makes Going the Distance something more.

Barrymore, as always, is capable, and her innate sweetness shines out from the screen. Long, perhaps best known as the "Mac guy" on those infamous Mac/PC commercials, proves an able partner. Day is good, and though Applegate's role is limited, she steals her scenes almost across the board. Look also for Jim Gaffigan in a small supporting part as Corinne's husband. His deadpan delivery is perfect.

BOTTOM LINE: Going the Distance was amusing without question. But what made it a good movie was the fact that, for all the genuine laughs, it quite simply rang true.

POLITICAL NOTES: None.

FAMILY SUITABILITY: Going the Distance is rated R for "sexual content including dialogue, language throughout, some drug use and brief nudity." While this is not a movie for small children, the tenderness with which the central relationship is played and the integrity and genuine caring portrayed by each half of the central couple wouldn't be a bad lesson for teens to learn. I'd say this film is okay for teens 14 and up.

¨A comedy about meeting each other halfway. ¨ Oscar nominated documentary director Nanette Burstein brings us ¨Going the Distance¨, which marks the first time she directs a fictional film. It's a rom/com that deals with long distance relationships and the screenplay was written by first time screenplay writer Geoff LaTulippe. Justin Long and Drew Barrymore play the two main characters who begin a no strings attached relationship, but end up falling in love despite the fact that Drew's character, Erin, is moving from New York to San Francisco. Justin Long is Garrett, a guy who works in New York for a record label and who isn't looking for a serious relationship with Erin because he knows she is going to leave soon, but their friendship grows and love blossoms. Both decide they can't let such a good thing end and decide to continue their relationship despite the distance. Justin and Erin try to make the relationship work, but they face several difficult situations that most people who have had long distance relationships can identify with. The movie mixes comedy with romance and at the same time it has several situations we can identify with. Some of the secondary characters enhance the comedy, such as Christina Applegate who plays Erin's married sister who is very uptight and overprotective. Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis play Dan and Box, Garrett's best friends who have some of the funniest lines in the movie. The chemistry between Barrymore and Long is good and the screenplay has several funny moments, but at the end of the film you realize you have already seen this movie before since it ends up being pretty predictable. This is one of those movies that had potential to be so much better, but at the end it stuck with Hollywood's predictable rom-com formula. You might have an enjoyable movie going experience with Going the Distance, but it is far from memorable and by the end of the day you will have forgotten all about it. For people who have gone through long distance relationships and its struggles, then they may feel drawn towards it and identify with some of the things happening, but as a comedy I was expecting a little more.

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This film is about a couple surviving the hardships of a long distance relationship.

"Going the Distance" maybe a realistic look at the hardships of a long distance relationship. It tells the pains of a long distance relationship in much detail, such as trust issues, unclear future prospects of being together physically, and whether to pursue love at the expense of career due to relocation. Maybe "Going the Distance" is just too realistic, that I find it rather plain. It has comedic moments but it lacks the certain charm and fun that I expect of a romantic comedy. Out of all the characters, I like Christina Applegate's critical housewife the most. At least she stands out and is memorable. The rest of the film is unfortunately forgettable and plain.

"Going the Distance" is just a romantic comedy, but an adequate one. Justin Long and Drew Barrymore have real chemistry, making it seem fairly romantic, and Long and his friends are actually very funny men, making the film come across as more funny and less not-funny.

I generally really like films picking simple stories and just telling them straight. For the most part, this film did that. But here the problem is when they bothered to include sub-plots, they were meaningless and then dropped. This unfortunately just highlights the poor writing. Then trying to cover up the poor writing, they added lots of profanity and many off-topic jokes. There is no problem with profanity, it's just that there wasn't much need for it here.

Now let's talk about jokes - which both make and break this film. It is laugh-out-loud funny in places, and now, I am even more of a believer that Justin Long, Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day are very much underrated, great comedic actors. Their timing was flawless and they were even able to make lame jokes seem funny. So, yes, I laughed, but the problem is the majority of the jokes were thrown in for the sole purpose of a laugh, and they had little to do with the storyline of the film. They were laugh-out-loud vulgar, not laugh-out-loud smart.

"Going the Distance" is a romantic comedy for those that like romantic comedies. It is written better than some, and at least you are laughing enough so you don't notice how poor it is.

Erin (Drew Barrymore) is an intern-journalist for the New York Sentinel. Older than most other novices, at 31, she once followed a former flame on his life's journey and got off kilter. Now, she's pursuing her dreams and, after the internship, will be returning to the west coast for the final months of her degree. One day, the managing editor compliments her writing but points out errors in grammar and such. Erin takes it hard. She has been hoping to get a job with the Sentinel after she graduates and now, things are looking bleak. Heading to a trendy bar after work, she starts drinking and blowing off steam over a classic video game. Looking over her shoulder is Garrett (Justin Long), who is impressed by her skill. Garrett, too, is out of sorts because his latest girlfriend broke up with him, after a severe tongue lashing about his attitude. He also just got a tough assignment from his boss (Ron Livingston). But, lo and behold, the two video gamers take a shine to each other and end up spending the night together. Its supposed to be a one night stand but they both want more. However, as Erin points out, she will only be in Manhattan for six more weeks. Long term attachments will be impossible. Or will they? Hey, after a nice 42 days , the two decide to keep the relationship going long distance, with emails and video conferencing and short, weekend trips. Can it last? This is a very lovely film, complete with romance, humor and honesty. All fans of romantic comedy should enjoy it. BUT, there is some raw language and some sexually charged scenes so if you prefer more of the ABC Family-type romances, be aware that your eyebrows may go up. The cast is great, with Barrymore and Long making a terrific couple. Drew looks beautiful and is very funny while Long is likewise handsome and humorous. Christina Applegate, Charlie Day, Livingston, and all of the rest are a true joy as well. The scenery on both coasts is attractive, especially Applegate's suburban Frisco home. Costumes, too, are well chosen while the script and direction never lose momentum, focus, or mirthfulness. Romcom fans, you should go a good distance yourselves to find this one, if it doesn't come to your neighborhood theater or stores. Many other film lovers will also appreciate its winning ways, too, so get your tickets this week.

Going The Distance was far better than expected. I saw the trailer for this movie before going to see it and I thought it looked good, but far too often with this type of film, all the best bits are in the trailer. This was not the case with this film, it was consistently funny, well acted and very good in general. Drew Barrymore and Justin Long were very believable as a couple (this may have something to do with them being together on off in real life). I thought that each actor played their part well, the friends of the main characters were all fantastic. Overall, this is well worth going to see and one of the funniest rom-coms I have seen in a long time.

Sometimes a little bit of distance isn't that bad. But it seems that Drew and Justin cannot be without each other (apparently they are or were an item during and/before filming this movie). I wouldn't have known that, if hadn't read it in a film magazine recently. But it does make sense, because their chemistry is really good and one of the more positive aspects of the movie.

Other than that we have great cameos (like Jim Gaffigans intro, though you might have seen it in the trailer) and very nice scenes overall. Unfortunately the script could have been better off with a rewrite. Not that it will matter to the group of people it is aiming at, but some things seem awfully wrong at times.

Still one of the better Rom-Com's of recent years and hats off for going R-Rated rather than making it (completely) sweet and cute. Won't convince males who hate those movies any differently, but they won't be completely appalled by it either (generally)

Without question a terrible film. Barrymore must realize that this is not her best work though she helped save many scenes. The writing was simple, plot for a 12 year old and offers nothing new. This film needed a better director and a rewrite before being shot.

The plot is taken from a few older stories and revamped. Its not what one would call Oscar material and not a "smart" film. Scenes were too tight and did not take advantage of the city. Lines were too contrived and scenes not very original. Its sad that writing has digressed and stories are stretched to create a full length film.

Do not waste your time....B O R I N G.

Just watched this romantic comedy starring sometime off-screen couple Drew Barrymore and Justin Long. She's an aspiring reporter and he's a record company executive who's forced to guide crappy musical acts for his label. They're forced into a long distance relationship due to unforeseen circumstances. That's all I'll say of the story and just say that this was quite both a ribaldry hilarious and honestly touching movie that seem to ring true most of the time. With fine supporting turns from Jim Gaffigan, Jason Sudeikis, and Christina Applegate, not to mention the leads, I highly recommend Going the Distance. P.S. Nice use of some classic '80s songs like Berlin's "Take My Breath Away" or Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes' "I've Had the Time of My Life".

Barrymore continues to impress. Good script, good acting something couples going thru can relate to.

I enjoyed the story however there was entirely too much profanity and sex acts shown. It could have been just as good and just as funny WITHOUT those being included. There were some good lines and it was very much true to life in the experience of a long distance relationship. I have tried to have long distance relationships and they are near to impossible. How can you be with someone whom you rarely see. It must be determined BEFORE you get involved with someone who lives across country who would be willing to relocate if either are. Drew Barrymore is maturing finally and she is very funny in this movie. The other actors were mostly unfamiliar to me.

In Going the Distance, Garrett (Justin Long) and Erin (Drew Barrymore) meet while arguing over a lost game of Centipede. Video games turn into beer bottles. Beer bottles turn into bongs. Bongs turn into sex. Their apparent one night stand turns into 6 incredible weeks. Unfortunately, 6 is all they have. Erin's internship at the New York Chronicle is over and she's headed back to San Francisco. Unwilling to call it quits, Garrett suggests that they have a long distance relationship to hold on to what they believe is a good thing.

Easier said than done, but the title says it all. They really do go the distance: They talk daily on the phone, they open Christmas presents via video chat online, and they even have phone sex. Unfortunately, nothing beats the real thing. Even with a few plane rides every now and then, seeing each other every 3 months starts to wear them down emotionally. When times get tough, Erin leans on a handsome coworker with a European accent. Garrett has his roommate Dan (Charlie Day) to give him pep talks while on the toilet - under an "open door policy" - and Box (Jason Sudeikis) who's trying to bang 50+ year old women and transport them back in time with his 70's porn star mustache. Like I said - easier said than done.

Long distance relationships are nothing new in the realm of chick flicks. The story is certainly predictable and trite, but I was slapping my knee and not my forehead. Going the Distance is heavy on the comedy, so it makes for great entertainment. And even better, it's rated R! That means foul language, partial nudity (albeit male) and outrageously memorable conversations.

TSA Officer: You can't park your car here.

Garrett: I just need 2 minutes. I need to talk to a girl who's leaving.

TSA Officer: You're really chasing love?

Garrett: Yes.

TSA Officer: She got a nice ass?

Garrett: Like the wind.

TSA Officer: What the hell does that mean?

I would have been perfectly comfortable watching it with a bunch of dudes. In fact, ladies looking for a nice wholesome chick flick this weekend - stay away! If you liked 40-Year-Old Virgin or Knocked Up, Going the Distance won't disappoint. It's a chick flick a la Judd Apatow.

Bro-Approved

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I've seen a lot of romantic comedies and a lot of them have been a complete miss. I decided to rent this movie out of boredom one day and thought it was actually kind of cute. Not one of the best I've seen, but still cute. Drew and Justin have GREAT chemistry together. I've been a fan of both of them for a while.

This movie is kind of a mix of everything. I wouldn't necessarily consider it a chick flick.

What I didn't like about it was there is a little too much raunchiness at times, almost like a forced attempt to win laughs. Produced the opposite result for me.

Overall, it's sweet in it's own little way. Worth renting.

I had a good feeling about Going the Distance from the first time I saw the trailer. I'm not the kind of guy who usually is quick to rush out and see a romantic comedy, but Going the Distance just seemed like it had something more to offer than that genre usually tosses out. And I have to say that my positive expectations were mostly fulfilled.

One of the best things about the movie is that it's a relationship comedy/drama that's genuinely funny, and it avoids the usual contrived problems that rom-coms throw between the two leads, in favor of realistic situations that anyone who has been in a long distance relationship can relate to. Parts of the movie are outright hilarious. It's unapologetically raunchy, but it's just the kind of thing that young(-ish), single men and women who frequent bars would say to each other and their friends. The movie gets a bit more serious and less lighthearted as it goes on, but it never completely forgoes the funny dialogue and jokes that really helped get me into it from the very beginning.

Justin Long and Drew Barrymore also were a big reason why Going the Distance leaves a lot of similar movies in the dust. They have a strong rapport that I guess came from their off-screen relationship, and I couldn't help but want them to survive as a couple through their difficulties.

So yeah, I liked this. I found it refreshing and relatable, which isn't something I often say about this genre. Going the Distance was seemingly made for the many young adults (including me) who have been in these kinds of situations before. Check it out, if it sounds interesting.

This is one of the most real AND funny Rom/Com's that have come out of this stale city in quite some time. Often when one of these movies come out, hordes of women beg their beau's to come to the cinema to no avail. luckily for us, this is a fresh new look at an otherwise female driven genre.

Going the Distance takes a look at long distance relationships from a REAL perspective. None of this Hollywood glitz. None of these fairy tale endings w/ friends who say and do what the producers hope the audience want to hear. It's like your watching a docu-drama about funny people. This movie showcases events how they would actually happen. People how they'd actually talk and relationships as unpredictable as they actually are.

Another refreshing notion is how this movie is told, in the majority, from the male's perspective. Not entirely, but enough. It's told from a place where humor, booze and late night / post weekend b*tch sessions w/ close friends and/or relatives help weave together a romantic story in a funny way. It's just how life happens!

I've seen this movie and can contest that it is the perfect concoction of humor, fun, romantic moments and hard R moments to make it a good fit for most couples. And guys, this will be a great way to go see a Romantic Comedy for your girl and get something out of it for yourself. GIVE IT A CHANCE, AND YOU'LL BE TELLING OTHERS TO DO THE SAME.

'GOING THE DISTANCE': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Surprisingly funny rom-com with the odd pairing of Justin Long and Drew Barrymore as the romantic leads. While the chemistry doesn't work between the film's two heroes, and Barrymore is just flat out wrongfully cast in this movie, the rest of the film does oddly work. I had almost no desire to see it but watched it out of curiosity anyway (as a free Netflix rental) and was pretty pleasantly surprised. The movie is witty and funny thanks to a clever script (by first time writer Geoffe La Tullippe) and a great supporting cast including Charlie Day (of 'IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA' fame), Jason Sudeikis (of 'SNL' fame), Jim Gaffigan, Rob Riggle, Ron Livingston and Christina Applegate. The film is also nicely directed by Nanette Burstein (who's only previous directing credits are documentary films like 'THE KID STAYS IN THE PICTURE', 'ON THE ROPES' and 'AMERICAN TEEN').

Long plays a record company executive in New York named Garrett who was recently dumped by his girlfriend. Barrymore plays a journalism student from Stanford named Erin who's on a summer internship for a daily newspaper in New York. The two meet at a bar, hit it off and decide to start casually dating (knowing that she's leaving soon). They of course fall for each other and their relationship builds into a painful long distance one with each turning to family and loved ones for advice. Garrett's advice comes from his buddies (Day and Sudeikis) who haven't a clue what they're talking about, which is the funniest part of the film. Erin's advice comes from her sister (Applegate). They're relationship is seriously put to the test because of this.

The film is laugh out loud funny for almost it's entirety. The jokes are well written and improvised (I'm sure). The film has a lot of likable and enjoyable energy and the cast is all outstanding, with the exception of Barrymore (in my opinion). I'm not her biggest fan and I especially don't think she's good in this movie. There's so many other better actresses that could have done so much more with the role. Plus, like I said, she's a bad match for Long. Long could have even been better cast. The supporting cast, writing and directing are all so much better than it's two leads, especially Barrymore. This hurts the movie and probably it's advertising, which I'm sure is why it bombed at the box office. Definitely not a bad comedic film, could have been better though.

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Just been to see this film before its official release and really, really enjoyed it. As the trailer suggests it's about a long distance relationship. The storyline is pretty straightforward. It's not the type of film that will have lots of complicated twists and turns, so in that context it's fairly predictable, but it's really well acted by the main characters, particularly Justin Long, Drew Barrymore and Christin Applegate. There are lots of laughs, and I mean laughing out loud, from both the men and the women in the audience. For me it's one of the funniest films I've seen that wasn't an out and out comedy. As the title of this review suggests, there's something for both men and women in this.

The cute and sweet Drew Barrymore is back once again in another romantic comedy and this one rightfully titled "Going the Distance" is a very funny and touching one. It shows just how hard a long distance relationship is to maintain, and timing is so important. It involves two thirty year old's in New York Barrymore as Erin a newspaper reporter and Garrett(Justin Long)as a record producer who both meet at a bar and have a one night stand. Then love and romance both blossoms as both are big pop culture fans of the 1980's. Only it gets complex when Erin tries to head west to San Francisco for a new life and she works her way waiting tables while doing grad school at Stanford.

Yet this romance stays alive with text messages, emails, phone calls, photos sent by mail and computer plus even funny crazy phone sex. Then when cross country visits happen both realize what they are missing that's one another. The film being a comedy doesn't try to dig into much drama yet the script and love making scenes are laced with vulgar words and done in a Judd Apatow obscenity manner. Still the film focuses on the real life matters of decision making such as job placement and settling into the right geography location.

In the end like most romantic comedies things work for themselves, overall "Going the Distance" is a very funny and humane obscenity treat in which Drew Barrymore is as cute and sexy as expected and Justin Long shows some good skill as an actor. And a good wild card treat was Charlie Day's performance as Garrett's lonely and horny friend. Most of all this romantic comedy proves timing needs to be right to give love a chance and long distance relationships are possible.

I like Drew Barrymore. I like Justin Long. I did NOT like this movie. From the trailer I was expecting a "sweet" romantic comedy. That was not what i got. From start to finish, you get extremely vulgar writing. "F" words galore. You get drunk, stoned, and casual sex all in the same night. That doesn't spell love story to me. I don't consider myself prudish but i was totally turned off by this. The phone sex/masturbation scene was very disturbing and just went on and on. The other reviews on Amazon that seem to like it just remind me that filmmakers are targeting the "40 Year Old Virgin" crowd. Lots of filth and lack of story. It's not for guys, it's not for girls. Avoid. Let's let Hollywood know that they need to get some actual writers instead of the drivel that seems to be popular now-a-days.