**** 1/2 out of *****

I’ll admit it: I’ve never really understood the point of relationships. And long-distance relationships — ha, they don’t stand a chance. So it’s no surprise that when I started to watch Going the Distance, I was a bit skeptical.

I expected an unrealistic plot and lovey-dovey moments that would make my eyes roll. But after 97 minutes, I wanted more — more bar trivia, more soundtrack music, more airports, more love. Going the Distance may be the best romantic comedy of the year, because it portrays an actual relationship and, simply put, is hilarious.

The film follows the story of Erin (Drew Barrymore) and Garrett (played by Justin Long) as they attempt to create a meaningful and lasting long-distance relationship.The two meet at a Centipede video-game machine in a bar. After a hookup DJ’d by Garrett’s roommate, Erin and Garrett start a fun, flirty relationship. The catch: Erin’s summer internship in New York ends in six weeks, and she will soon move back to finish graduate school in San Francisco. After an awkward car ride and a gushy love scene in the airport, Erin and Garrett vow to make their relationship work.

With Garrett in New York City and Erin in San Francisco, the couple struggle with sexual urges, physical dependency, and the differing time zones. Visiting each other every three months just isn’t enough, and their time together is complicated thanks to Erin’s sister, Corrine (Christina Applegate) and Garrett’s roommate Box (Jason Sudeikis).

But that’s the beauty of the story — it’s actually realistic. Both Erin and Garrett struggle with their jobs, something a majority of Americans are experiencing. They both have busy schedules, so finding time for each other is difficult. Living across the country from each other makes talking even more difficult because of the time differences and being there to support one another is a battle in itself.

Sure, there are a few scenes that make you shake your head in disapproval. But what do you expect? It’s a romantic comedy, after all. No actual man is going to fly thousands of miles to surprise his girlfriend at work with roses. No actual man is going to tell his girlfriend exactly what it is he wants. No smart woman is going to pass up an awesome job opportunity to move in with her boyfriend. But who knows, maybe I’m just cynical.

But the real reason Going the Distance is successful is because it’s hilarious. I don’t remember the last time I actually laughed out loud at a romantic comedy. Be warned — it is somewhat vulgar, but it works.

The jokes are created mostly by the supporting actors in the film. Box continually comments on Erin and Garrett’s conversation through the bedroom walls. He also worries about the lack of baby pigeons in New York City. Corrine makes her daughter play statue when she wants her to be quiet and views dry humping as the most serious part of her marriage.

Maybe it’s the reality of Garrett and Erin’s situation or the comedy in the film, but either way, Going the Distance wins audiences over. The movie gives you the feeling as if anything is possible. And everyone can use a little hope once in a while.