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?

The Time Travelers Wife (Directed by Robert Schwentke)

IMDB LINK

Starring: Rachel McAdams, Eric Bana, Ron Livingston

He Said:
I have had this particular film on my LoveFilm queue for ages then Helen and I finally gave in and just purchased the film. This is a fantastic adaption of Audrey Niffenegger's novel of the same name. There are scenes and character relationships in the novel that are all but ignored in the film but I can gladly say that this is a rare occurrence where the adaption and source material complement each other.

The basic story of this film revolves around the romance of one couple dealing with an unprecedented medical condition. Through out the course of the film you see the two characters grow and mature contrasting to one another. When we first see the titular character she has found her childhood best friend for the first time, while he is introduced to some one he has never seen before.

This is a beautiful story about an ill-fated romance and how two people can make a relationship work no matter the obstacles or trials before them. This is at its heart a film about romance but it is so much more than that. I can not say enough good things about the story or the characters that shape it.

The casting of Claire is absolutely spot on, and I think Henry grows on me after a while. I know when I was reading the novel I had a different actor in my minds eye but I can't remember it as of this moment. I really adored this film and I think it would make an excellent addition to anyone's film collection. I give it [[[4.5 out of 5]]]

She Said:

I am a little more skeptical about this film as a complement to its source material than James. I personally feel that the film did not quite do the book justice however that doesn't mean I think it wasn't good! On the contrary, the film clearly captures the dichotomy of love and loss that is the battle when Henry time travels.

There was just something missing that was disappointing for me and I think, if I'm honest, that this story is best told in book medium for its emotional complexity. While the film tries to achieve this with montages I think the consumer benefits from the extra detail in the relationships that come from the book, particularly those with Henry's doctor and their friend Gomez.

However I am comparing to the book and shouldn't be. Ignoring the fact I read the book this is enjoyable and heartwarming which is what I expected from this film. Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams had a great chemistry, and although this was either of their best roles though, they acted with subtly and credibility. My favourite actress was Rachel as a little girl though. So cute.

In terms of plot this story is unique and intriguing. It is an interesting twist on time travel being that Henry does not travel by a time machine, but involuntarily and unexpectedly as the result of a genetic condition. It is fascinating stuff which seems oddly more believable than other time travel plots. Plus the film coped with Henry's random aging very well with hair and makeup.

If there had just been a tad more focus on Rachel without resorting to montages this would have been a half point more. However I still give it a very respectable {{{3.5 out of 5}}}

They Said:

A unique and clever story wonderfully told. Everyone should watch this film and even read the book. It is a classic romance with modern twist that should be recognised as brilliant. We give this {{{8 out of 10}}}