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Catholic movie review - Going the Distance |
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By John P. McCarthy - Catholic News Service
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Friday, 03 September 2010 |
Drew Barrymore and Justin Long are girlfriend and boyfriend living on opposite sides of the country in "Going the Distance" (Warner Bros.), a surprisingly raunchy romantic comedy, even allowing for its suggestive title.
Justin Long and Drew Barrymore star in a scene from the movie "Going the Distance." CNS photo/Warner Bros.
Whatever wholesome charms Barrymore and Long possess are obscured by the dirty-minded nature of the dialogue. As for the characters they portray, their separation anxiety pales in comparison to the audience's distress at hearing them continuously spout vulgarities and obsess about sex. "Going The Distance" implies that pining from afar can be tougher on the people around two lovebirds than it is on the sweethearts themselves.
Barrymore, she of the dynastic acting clan, and Long, best known as the
"Mac Guy" from the Apple computer ad campaign, have had an on-again,
off-again relationship in real life that may account for their easy
rapport on screen. Unfortunately, the soul mates they portray lack
personality, and director Nanette Burstein and screenwriter Geoff
LaTulippe resort to sophomoric bawdiness to enliven the proceedings.
Erin and Garrett meet in a Manhattan watering hole on the very night
when Garrett's girlfriend has broken up with him, citing his
insensitivity and commitment phobia. He just hasn't met the right girl
yet. Enter Erin, a Stanford graduate student in New York for a summer
internship at a daily newspaper. They sleep together, but in the morning
realize something more meaningful than a one-night stand is possible.
After a six-week idyll, she must head back out West and they agree to
attempt a bicoastal relationship.
Over the better part of a year, when they aren't texting or saying
goodbye in the airport after brief visits, Garrett banters with pals Box
(Jason Sudeikis) and Dan (Charlie Day), while Erin fields advice from
her protective older sister Corinne (Christina Applegate). Erin has been
burned before after dropping everything for a guy. Garrett, who works
as a talent scout for a record company, tries to find a job in San
Francisco without success. Unless something gives, they're doomed.
In addition to whining about being apart, Erin and Garrett lament the
beleaguered state of the newspaper and music industries -- a plaint that
will resonate most with so-called media elites.
Lacking authenticity, the graphic language and unsavory situations
overlaying the plot, by contrast, will ring false to a cross-section of
viewers. For two educated, presumably intelligent people, Erin and
Garrett have limited vocabularies and imaginations. Ditto their cohorts.
The copious amount of alcohol everybody consumes may be a contributing
factor.
One positive element of "Going the Distance" is that it implicitly
endorses committed, monogamous relationships. Still, there's no
indication Erin and Garrett will marry in the end.
The film contains two somewhat explicit if fleeting premarital
encounters, rear male nudity, persistent alcohol and an instance of
marijuana use, much profanity, frequent graphic sexual banter and
pervasive rough, crude and crass language. The Catholic News Service
classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association
of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying
parent or adult guardian.
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