Look, it is just very hard to be away from the person you love for months at a time.

Going the Distance

Good romantic comedies are hard to come by these days; they're an endangered species. The bar's been set so high with classics like When Harry Met Sally or Love Actually. It's also so easy for a romantic comedy to feel done before or contrived or write unrealistic or stereotypical characters who fall into the category of annoying. You don't see a lot of quality romantic comedies these days which is why when there's a diamond in the rough, you have to see it. So when I see a good one, I get really excited about it.

Former real-life couple Drew Barrymore and Justin Long star as Garrett and Erin, soul mates separated by the United States; Garrett is based in New York while Erin lives in San Francisco. The two meet six weeks before Erin finishes her internship at a New York newspaper and must go back to San Fran. Not wanting to break-up, Erin and Garrett decide to try long distance.

Good romantic comedy aspect number one, realistic plot with comedy. Garrett and Erin's relationship faces many real trials and tribulations that long distance couples must go through: strained finances and expensive flights, missing your partner terribly, temptation to stray, not be able to relocate, and just wondering if the relationship is worth it. Garrett and Erin's relationship plays out in a very real and relatable way. We can feel how in love they are but how stressed out they are over the distance. We want them to make it, but we know how unrealistic it is that they will. While Garrett and Erin have a filmic happy ending, many long distance relationships don't and their relationship does address that in the film. Oh, and it's funny. Not laugh out loud funny but I was consistently giggling.

Good romantic comedy aspect number two, good characters with good chemistry. Garrett and Erin don't have any annoying character traits one finds in bad romantic comedies. They have realistic flaws and goals. Garrett isn't your stereotypical charmingly bumbly Hugh Grant and Erin isn't some fast talking unrelatable Kate Hudson. Furthermore, their chemistry is off the charts. Body language, repoire, everything; it's electric.

Good romantic comedy aspect number three, funny supporting characters. Charlie Day and Jason Sudekis are hilarious wing men to Garrett, providing advice and random one-liners along the way. Christina Applegate is supportive and intimidating as Erin's older sister. She takes on all the stereotypical qualities of an over protective dad and makes it her own as a sister.

Going the Distance hits the romantic comedy check list. It's cute, relatable, funny, and enjoyable. If you ever need a romantic and light-hearted break from reality, I'd recommend Going the Distance.

Steve Carell on The Office

Steve Carell has already shot his last episode of the award-winning NBC comedy and I am so sad to see him go. Michael Scott has been a consistent source of cringe-worthy comedy or frustration, coupled with genuine appreciation. Carell is great at playing a completely offensive and clueless character who still manages to get sympathy and have people rooting for him. I can't believe the show will continue without him; no one can replace Michael Scott. Definitely one of the more memorable TV characters.

Netflix

The Fighter-Must see my bb Bale again.
Black Book-A WWII drama from the Netherlands.
Carlos-Netflix Instant. Award winning miniseries.