Going the Distance

Erin, a journalism student, and Garrett, who works in the music industry, meet in a New York bar just as Garrett is getting over a breakup. What begins as a summer fling turns into something more, but Erin is due back in San Francisco to finish her studies. The two decide to keep the relationship going across the country, relying on webcams, visits and frequent-flyer miles while their friends offer plenty of unsolicited advice. Just as a reunion seems within reach, each gets a career opportunity in their own city, putting the couple's plans in doubt.

Nanette Burstein directed the film, her second narrative feature following the 2002 documentary The Kid Stays in the Picture; her later credits include Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes and Carl Sagan: We Are Made of Star Stuff. Geoff LaTulippe wrote the screenplay, and Adam Shankman, Jennifer Gibgot and Garrett Grant produced. Drew Barrymore plays Erin and Justin Long plays Garrett, with Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Christina Applegate and Ron Livingston in supporting roles.

Released in August 2010, the film runs 102 minutes. Made for a budget of 32 million dollars, it took in about 42 million worldwide. On IMDb it holds a 6.3 rating from roughly 61,000 votes, while on TMDB it sits at 6.1 from around 795 votes. A critics' rating of 5.8 from 164 reviews places it slightly below the audience scores, suggesting a modest reception on both sides.