Going the Distance follows a couple, Erin and Garrett, who meet one night and hit it off. They soon realise that Erin is in New York for a few short weeks, and has to go back to San Francisco. The story follows the long-distance relationship without all the Hollywood glamour, and with a raw and real eye, which does make the story a bit depressing at times. It chronicles years of this couple's relationship, who thrive off of hearing each other's voices, but longing to see each other face to face. The relationship naturally has its ups and downs, and the pair are met with temptations in their hometowns, but their love for one another keeps them from going astray.

In some sense it does give viewers hope that such a relationship can exist, but it should be noted that this is a rather rare and extreme case, and that the pair love each other enough to compromise and sacrifice for one another. In choosing to be with the other person and giving up possible advancements in their career, they come to grips with the reality that while they may have that job, they might have lost out in the love of a lifetime, so to speak.

The film is sprinkled with tons of laugh-out-loud comedy, especially from supporting cast like Christina Applegate, who plays Drew Barrymore's Erin's big and controlling sister, and Charlie Day, Justin Long's friend. Throughout the rough and dramatic pauses in which Erin and Garrett try to figure out if the relationship is worth the distance and the long haul, the movie is infused with hilarious characters who keep the story from getting too depressing and dramatic, and even unbearable to watch at times.

It's definitely a movie for a romantic at heart, especially one who hops for the proper happy ending. Barrymore and Long's on-screen chemistry is simply delightful to watch, though no doubt owing to the fact that the pair are romantically linked off-screen, as well, so there is a naturalness to it.

Going the Distance is out now on DVD and Blu-ray on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.