Going The Distance

Directed by: Nanette Burstein
UK release: 27 August 2010
US release 3 Sept 2010
Screenplay: Geoff LaTulippe
Starring: Drew Barrymore, Justin Long, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Christina Applegate, Ron Livingston



IMDB Page


She said:

This film was one James and I really wanted to see in order to work out if Hollywood had any real clue about what it is like to live in a long distance relationship. After all maintaining a relationship over 5000 miles and two continents does make us feel like experts somewhat.

On the whole I think this film did well, but in terms of realism... I think it was a little lacking: it simply portrayed the tip of the iceberg shall we say. Of course this film is a romcom not a serious drama so all in all I think it showed the compromise and strength of long distance relationships really well.

The best bits for me were the comedy and the 'cuteness' (which I think come with Justin Long and Drew Barrymore in a kind of package deal). The friends of Garrett and family of Erin provide the best comic relief as they adapt to their loved one's seeing someone thousands of miles away.

Overall I think this is a film that the majority of people will get something out of. There is enough romance for softies to have a good 'awww' and enough comedy to satisfy those who think 'ewww'. I really enjoyed this light, bubbly tale... and just for the record - long distance is hard, but it is worth it. I give this film {{{4 out of 5}}}

He said:

I saw this film a few weeks ago, and although I really enjoyed it - and was pretty sure Helen would as well - I had a few minor problems with how this long distance couple dealt with both their lives and the relationship they shared.

Obviously Helen and I have been in a long distance relationship for the majority of the time that we have been together. There have been hard times and really low times, but the time we spent together, be it on line via emails, Skype or over the phone, always made things seem better.

While we are always proud to be spoiler free, I will say (without spoiling any major plot details) that most of Erin and Garrett's unhappiness almost always followed a moment where they had spoken. Now, trust me when I tell you that if you can't find the happiness in those short moments where you do get to connect then there are bigger troubles ahead.

This is cute rom-com that obviously hit very close to home for both Helen and I. There is one scene in particular that stood out to both of us about dealing with the future and "figuring it out". I enjoyed this film and while there were parts I disagreed with it left me with a happy heart. {{{I give it 4 out 5}}}


They said:

He said, She said is happy to announce that as this review is posted we are no longer a long distance couple! Together, forever. Go see this film just to make us smile. We give it [[[8 out of 10]]]


Question of the week:
Have you ever been in a long distance relationship? How far apart was it and what kept you strong?

Whip It! (Directed by Drew Barrymore)

IMDB PAGE

Starring:
Ellen Page, Marcia Gay Harden, Kristen Wiig, Drew Barrymore, Juliette Lewis, Jimmy Fallon, Alia Shawkat,Eve, Zoe Bell

She said:

This film was great fun; laugh out of loud funny, sexy, sassy and with a great soundtrack. Drew Barrymore (who, by the way, I LOVE) saw her directorial debut with this film and I have to say she did a wonderful job. The acting and pacing kept the balance of humour and sentiment really well. Her talent behind the camera is unsurprising though having been on film sets since she was a tiny 7 year old.

This is essentially a coming-of-age film. And I love those kind of films. They are not solely aimed at teens nor adults. I think some mums would enjoy this one and identify with a mother (played by the wonderful Marcia Gay Harden who is perfect for this 50s style housewife) who is finding it hard to let her daughter become an independent woman.

Although Ellen Page was the protagonist I did feel this was an ensemble film with the supporting characters all playing unique and individual roles. No one person stood out too much although I have to admit a soft spot for the best friend Pash. I found the friendship and the changes it undergoes both for the bad and good quite believable.

Overall I have to say - what a fantastic film! I came out of it wanting to don some skates, fishnets and hotpants and join the roller derby myself! I give it {{{4.5 out of 5}}}

He Said:

I really enjoyed this film. It has a solid story with an excellent pace. The soundtrack is perfect and even the subplots have a nice and even necessary feel. I never felt the side stories were diversions or fillers, as is common in so many films.

As Helen said this film marks the directorial debut of Drew Barrymore and I really think that she did a stellar job. Ellen Page has proven once more that she is more than just "that witty pregnant girl" as this film has heart and wit in spades. Juliet Lewis is in a rare small role and I think she is one of my favorite sub-characters.

The screenplay was written by Shauna Cross the author of the original novel who was an actual Roller derby athlete in Los Angeles (the films Hurl Scouts are based on her team Tough Cookies which had the same girl scout theme and team colors.) I think this fact alone is the reason that the film never seems to drift from reality into campy fantasy.

This is another American Film that is just now reaching the UK shores and if you are on the other side of the pond you can find this film at your local DVD retailer and rental stores, as well as on NETFLIX. I give this film {{{{4.5 out of 5}}}}

They said:
Drew Barrymore and Ellen Page make a great director/actress duo. We really enjoyed this film but what about you? Let us know! We give it [[[[9 out of 10]]]]