"Going the Distance" doesn't stray too far away

Going the Distance is a movie about the trials and tribulations of long distance relationships. Drew Barrymore and Justin Long star as 30-something, single professionals, Erin and Garrett respectively, who happen to meet at a bar in New York City. The two begin a strictly "no strings" relationship on the pretense that Erin is leaving for San Francisco after her summer internship is finished and Garrett just broke up with his girlfriend earlier that evening. As the two grow closer, they realize that their relationship is more than just "friends with benefits" and decide to try having a long distance relationship.

Sounds cliché, right? That's because it is. The plot is very unoriginal and plays out like any other romantic comedy. It feels more like you are the third wheel having to watch your friend and her boyfriend squabble to the point of breaking up right in front of you, not to mention the uncomfortable, although somewhat funny, sex scenes.

However, there are some saving graces to this movie, mainly the costars. There are numerous hilarious moments provided by Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Christina Applegate and Jim Gaffigan. Without them, this movie would be pretty much unwatchable. While the acting is barely passable by all involved, save Sudeikis and Day, the lighter moments presented by the costars make up for the more painful repartee between Long and Barrymore.

Another saving grace is the soundtrack. Although there are a few well-known bands such as The Cure and The Pretenders, most of the songs from the movie come from indie bands. One featured band, making an appearance in the movie and with two songs on the soundtrack, is The Boxer Rebellion. The songs portrayed in the movie come off as light and soulful. Other bands include The Airborne Toxic Event, Eels, and Fanfarlo. It's nice to think that, even when the plot is old and stale, at least the music can be new and refreshing. Overall, the music is eclectic, catchy, and not at all forced, like the static plot.

All in all, Going the Distance is not a terrible movie per se. However, you might be better off using the money you would've spent on tickets to buy the soundtrack and just Netflix the movie when it's released on DVD.