You have something that works, it’s hard not to do it that way. In the world of romantic comedies  the road map is all ready laid out, but sometimes the road less traveled is the right one to take. When you go against the grain in a movie,  it can be rewarding if you have the right story and actors. Going the Distance has all the right ingredients, they are just not mixed completely right. Garrett (Justin Long) has just gotten out of a relationship. His friends Dan (Charlie Day) and Box (Jason Sudeikis) take him out so  they can help him forget what happened. While at the bar he meets Erin (Drew Barrymore) while waiting to play his favorite video game. Erin works as an intern at a newspaper after being side tracked in her life by a past serious relationship. After a great night, Erin and Garrett have breakfast together and they both agree that a serious relationship is not what either of them wants. Erin tells Garrett she is moving to San Francisco in six weeks and decides there is nothing wrong with hanging out until then. The next six weeks are bliss, with both Garrett and Erin feeling something. When the time comes for Erin to leave, she and Garrett decide  they do not want it to end. They decide that a long distance romance can work for them and will do what it takes to make sure it does. At first everything is great, Erin and Garrett communicate often and Garrett even makes a surprise visit to see Erin in San Francisco.  Erin’s goal is to get back to New York City to be with Garrett and work for the newspaper where she did her internship. Meanwhile, she is finishing school and living with her sister Corinne (Christina Applegate) and her family.  One of Erin’s professors recommends her for a job at a San Francisco newspaper, which she  strongly considers after being turned down  for the New York job. While she is visiting Garret back in New York she tells him the news, and he is not happy since neither of them can find a way to be in the same city. After thinking it over, Erin decides she wants to move back to New York to be with Garrett and work out the job situation once she is there. Garret is happy at first, but then realizes that he is asking Erin to give up  her dreams to  live with him. Going the Distance has moments where it is fresh and original. Justin Long and Drew Barrymore show the chemistry that has carried over to off screen as well. First time writer Geoff LaTuippe shows the difficulties that can arise in a long distance relationship and at the same time shows why they are worth the effort. The funnier moments are often supplied by the supporting cast, and you wish they  were in the movie a little more often. This isn’t a bad movie, it just could have been better, but in the world of romantic comedies this movie is worth giving a chance .

Brian Taylor