BLU-RAY
REVIEW: GOING THE DISTANCE
12/02/10
SYNOPSIS: Erin (Drew Barrymore) and Garrett (Justin Long) strike sparks for a summer fling in New York City but neither expects it to last once Erin heads home to San Francisco and Garrett remains behind for his Big Apple job. But after six romantic weeks, neither is sure they want it to end. So despite opposing coasts, naysaying friends and family and unexpected temptations, the couple just might have found something like love. And helped by a lot of texting, sexting and late-night phone calls, they might actually go the distance.
REVIEW: There aren’t
very many movies that you can directly relate to, but for me
this is one of them. I’ve experienced a New York/Miami deal as
well as a St. Petersburg, Florida/Miami deal. So yeah, I’ve
been there done that, twice. In this case, we watch a New
York/San Francisco connection which is obviously on opposite
sides of the country. So they are truly going the distance. I
appreciated the fact that the movie makers made this rendition
of a long distance relationship quite realistic. In addition,
the lead actors themselves contributed to the realism (I wonder
why?). In case you didn’t know, these two are a real life
couple thus the on point onscreen chemistry. But besides the
aforementioned chemistry, the film also shows aspects of long
distance relationship realism. They did a good job of
demonstrating the frustration of being apart for months at a
time and how the realities of life, such as daily
responsibilities, set in and make you hesitate about the
relationship. Even personal goals or career opportunities can
really disrupt whatever plans you might have. It really isn’t
the same when you are together close by compared to being far
apart. It is like apples and oranges, day and night, you get the
picture, and our two main characters are trying their best to
make it work. And of course there will be people around you that
will make it that much more difficult to accomplish in so many
different ways, such as through negativity or just good ol’
fashion temptations. Erin (Drew Barrymore) and Garrett (Justin
Long) go through all these trials and tribulations and you
can’t help but to root for them all the way. Not only are
these two characters endearing, their relationship is endearing
as well so you find yourself rooting for all three.
One thing I found to be interesting about this flick is their
respective careers. She is striving to be a newspaper reporter
and he is in the music producing industry. This comes into play
heavily throughout the plot of the story so there is meaning to
it. It is not just a random selection. It is apparent that this
film was carefully thought through and not just another cookie
cutter rom-com. The movie is sweet, chock full of romantic
moments and funny moments. You might have a tear of laughter and
maybe even one of sorrow. Drew and Justin were excellent with
their characters and this story and as I mentioned before, their
chemistry was fluid. The supporting cast was right on as well.
Christina Applegate plays Erin’s protective sister, Corinne,
and she nailed it. Christina and Drew mesh nicely. Corinne has a
daughter, Maya, and one of her discipline techniques with Maya
will give you a good laugh so be on the look out for it. The
goofball of the movie, Dan, Garrett’s roommate, was superbly
played by Charlie Day. He reminds me of a Zach Galifianakis or
Seth Rogen type of actor. The script for this movie was not
exactly incredible, but it was decent enough and the comedy was
fresh enough to make this an all around good movie. Oh yeah, and
it’s charming too. It is quite a breakthrough into the world
of rom-com for Director Nanette Burstein who has directed mostly
documentary type projects. Not bad Nanette.
Film
Review By Cine Marcos
cinemarcos@smartcine.com
BLU-RAY: The
film is presented in 1080P widescreen in a 1.85:1 aspect ration
preserving its theatrical format. The picture is just flawless,
giving the film and special effects clarity that only high
definition can provide. Not only the picture looks excellent in
this release, also the sound it is good, a 5.1 DTS-HD Master
Audio (48kHz/24bit) that provides a good complement to the
picture. It also includes English, Spanish and Francais.
On November 30th, Going the
Distance will also be available ON DEMAND through Digital Cable, Satellite TV, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 game consoles and it can be downloaded for rental or purchase on iTunes and Amazon Video On Demand.
VIDEO:
Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1 aspect ratio) 1080P
AUDIO:
English 5.1 DTS HD/Dolby Digital
Spanish English French 5.1
Subtitles: English, Spanish and French
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Deleted Scenes
How to Have a Perfect Date
A Guide to Long-Distance Dating
The Cast of Going the Distance: Off the Cuff
Director Commentary by Nanette Burnstein
"If You Run" music video by The Boxer Rebellion
Behind the Scenes of the Going the Distance Soundtrack
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