MY DATE WITH DREW

review by Terri Wall

I can't remember the last time I felt so much sheer joy in watching a film! I think it is because the star/hero of this film, Brian Herzlinger, is such a likable and sympathetic everyman that I felt a deep connection with him and his quest. Or maybe I just identified so strongly with his attempt to go after his dream.

This thoroughly delightful documentary follows Brian's experiences in trying to get a date within 30 days with Drew Barrymore, the girl he has had a crush on since he was 10. He wins $1,100 on a game show and instead of using that money to pay his rent for another month and be back in his same depressed, hopeless state at the end of that month, he decides to follow his dream and make this film and possibly be on the road to a new life after the 30 days. With the help of a camera which he buys from Circuit City (on his friend's credit card) and which he plans to return by the 30th day so they can get their money back (we won't think about the karma on that one!) he seizes the moment and goes after his life's dream.

He uses his connections to try to find someone he knows who knows Drew or someone who knows Drew and the six degrees of separation theme is one of the things that gives this film its humor and charm. It reminded me of a personal experience - when I told a friend of mine that I knew Lowell Ganz who wrote Fever Pitch, my friend's response was “Oh good, now I know how to get to Drew Barrymore”. So I am two degrees away from Drew. It also reminded me of the feeling I got when I finally got to meet my teenage idol (my own personal quest like Brian's) - a sensation that can not compare to anything else in life. It was one of my greatest thrills when she asked me if I had an aspirin and I was able to give her something. I never told her how much she meant to me when I was a teenager but I was so thrilled I was able to give her back something even in such a small way.

Watching this film I laughed and actually cried and rode the roller coaster of emotions along with Brian.

Go watch this movie to remind yourself of how important it is to go after what you truly want in life and not let your fears hold you back. And remind yourself that the journey is just as important as the result.

Directed, Produced and Edited by Jon Gunn, Brian Herzlinger and Brett Winn. http://mydatewithdrew.com