Going the Distance -- Review

Everyone, at one time or another, has been in a long distance relationship.  This may have been for a summer, a year or longer, and may be anything from just a state apart to being seperated by an ocean.  But today is it something that I feel is very common, and everyone deals with it differently.  Sometimes it's caused by a chance encounter while interning or taking on a summer job or during a vacation.  Sometimes it starts in the same state but with the current economy causes a sacrafice be made with one person to take a job in another state.  And of course there are those that are seperated because their significant other is a member of the military of a given flavor and has been stationed over seas.  Some of the couples these couples are in the dating stages and others are married.  Well, this past weekend a romantic comedy about two 30-somethings meet and the struggle of keeping their long distance relationship aflout in today's world.  Going the Distance is a cute look at some of the additional trials the dating world is going through.

Drew Berrymore and her real life "on-again, off-again" beau Justin Long star in one of this summer's funniest romantic comedies.  Their on-screen chemistry and comedic timing make you fall in love with the two stars all over again.  It has been a long time since I've seen a film starring Drew Berrymore that truly shinned as bringht as she does.  Not since Never Been Kissed has she given you a character that you can truly connect with on every level.  Don't get me wrong, He's Just Not That Into You was a fun film as well, but her role was so minor that seeing her back on screen with the adorable Justin Long has kept me grinning since I left the theater. 

With an all-star supporting cast of comedic talents from the likes of Christina Applegate (Samantha Who? and Just Visiting) and Jim Gaffigan (My Boys) playing Erin's sister and brother-in-law, to Charlie Day (It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia) and Jason Sudeikis (SNL and 30 Rock) playing Garrett's bestfriends Dan and Box, there is no need to go anywhere else for a funnier film.  This is the new "chick-flick".  It is a film that will not only give the girlfriend what she wants, but it will entertain the boyfriend straight through the credits.  I feel that Going the Distance is a film that matches one of my favorite releases of 2010, She's Out of My League.  Both films give you a comedic look at the world of dating from an honest and heart felt place that makes those of us struggling in that world laugh.  Going the Distance is a cute story that will keep you laughing from beginning to end with the outragous things Garrett's friends try pulling, and will make you feel for the young couple desperately trying everything to keep the passion alike and kicking in their cross-country relationship. 

If you want a fun film to catch with your significant other I highly recommend checking out Going the Distance.  It reminds us of all the reasons why we love Drew Berrymore and Christina Applegate.  The men in the film will make you realize that the romantic comedy is no longer an actress' world, but that the actors can dominate in the genre as well.  You will fall in love with the story as well as the characters.  So give it a chance and close the distance this weekend and check out Going the Distance.

It's Complicated -- Review

I have always thought my parents were a bit strange. Always fun, but definitely out there. But let's be honest, who hasn't thought that about their parents and/or family. Having grown up and moved out of the house I now find myself thinking back to when I was still living under the rules of the house and the traditions my family fell into. Truth is, no matter how frustrated I get with phone calls about computer issues or TV problems because the remote won't work, there are some very good memories that I have begun to miss. Sitting in a theater full of movie go-ers who fit the forty and older bracket I should have felt out of place as the majority of them had at least 20 years on me, however it reminded me of what it felt like when I was back home and my parents and I would go out to the movies, or even just sitting in the living room watching movies.

It's Complicated is a romantic comedy for those married, divorced, and even the children of the married and/or divorced. I cannot believe I am about to say this.... But it is a film that reminds us that even our parents need to have fun, be happy, and... get laid. Yep, there I said it. That one thing that no child ever wants to think about, have knowledge of, or ever consider, but this films shines a light on the soul of what it is to be an adult in today's hectic and crazy world. I might even say that it might just be the ultimate romantic comedy.

Wow. Even for myself that sounds a bit over the top. I mean, I am not a fan of Alec Baldwin by any stretch of the imagination, but watching the chemistry between him and Meryl Streep, and you throw in a mix of hilarity with Steve Martin and you have a film that brings laughs and smiles from start to end. I feel that today we can no longer have the "fairy tale ending" as it doesn't exist in the way that it used to. Little girls and older women no longer look for their Prince Charming or Knight in Shining Armor, instead we are looking for "Mr. Right Now" because everyone is in such a rush to find that other someone. It's Complicated is a more mature romantic comedy that I feel is the type of happiness all little girls should be dreaming of when it comes to a relationship in the 'happily ever after' caliber. Corny I know. But the Cinderella stories no longer ring true to the "real world". Things are messy, complicated, and full of the love and love/hate relationships that we must get through before we find that happy ending... whatever it may be. It's Complicated shares a fun filled story of a divorcee who finds her place in the world and her happiness with the help of her children, and even her ex-husband. With jokes, a little scandal, some "wild sex", and a little weed these characters are grounded in what very well could be "the real world". As I sat and enjoyed the film the only thing I missed was being able to joke with my parents about the crazy things the characters was doing.

It's Complicated is a fun pile of laughs that will make you look at your parents in a whole new light. No matter what your age is, or your parents age, this film is the perfect holiday release because it reminds you of what it truly is to be a family through the good, the bad and the ugly. If you are a fan of 30 Rock you will enjoy the comedic performance by Alec Baldwin, however I found that John Krasinski's (The Office) performance as the soon-to-be son-in-law out shone the other comedians each time they were on the screen.