Romantic comedies have become something of a drug for today’s audiences. The result is that this genre has become increasingly jaded, and its viewers are essentially being forced to watch the same movie over and over.

“Going the Distance” is a refreshing new movie whose edgy new style makes it stand out.

Drew Barrymore and Justin Long have a marvelous on-screen chemistry that makes the movie pleasant to watch.

Erin (Barrymore) and Garrett (Long) meet in a completely relatable way, at a bar over a beer and an arcade game.

Thus begins a cute love story that is totally practical, without all the things we’ve come to expect and hate from romantic comedies. The problems they face in their relationship are real problems that most people face sometime in life.

Erin is only in New York for an internship and has to return to San Francisco at the end of six weeks, so the couple decides to try the dreaded long distance relationship. While the two lovers struggle to make their relationship work from opposite ends of the country, the audience begins to feel the yearning they have to see each other.

Director Nanette Burstein usually works on documentaries, and the documentary style really shows through in her new film. Unlike many other romantic comedies of today, the director doesn’t skip the important awkwardness of the getting-to-know-each-other phase, highlighting the discomfort of exchanging phone numbers, making the first call, and going on the first date.

The film’s coarse language and natural dialogue make it an atypical romantic comedy. The phenomenal supporting cast of Charlie Day, Christina Applegate and Jason Sudeikis gives the movie hilarious comic relief.  

What makes the movie so captivating is that it’s driven by the serious issues two young people in love face, instead of stupid misunderstandings and plot twists.

“Going the Distance” is sweetly charming even with all the vulgarity, and by the end of the film the audience sees how perfect these two characters are for each other. This is a rare, thoughtful romantic comedy that can be appreciated by both genders.