Going The Distance Movie Premiere

GOING THE DISTANCE PREMIERE
AUGUST 23, 2010
HOLLYWOOD, CA

On Monday afternoon, I made my way to the Mann Chinese Theater in Hollywood, CA for the world premiere of “Going the Distance,” starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long. I have been trying to get Drew Barrymore’s autograph for the past two years. I am going solo today (No Mike – “Mike Gets Around,” M’Lou, or Megan from the Get Around Gang).  I met some nice people though as I was waiting.

I’ve been to a couple of premieres where I knew Drew would appear, and although each time she was very genuine and waved to her fans, she never signed. I always left disappointed that she did not sign, but knew she would make me a happy fan one day. I’m hoping today is the day!

Around 6:30p.m. people started arriving, but not in the normal fashion that arrivals usually occur at the Chinese Theater.  The set-up was also different from what I’m accustomed to.  It was difficult to tell who was walking up with the sun glaring in my eyes and the heavy traffic.

I saw Rick Schroeder and some people that looked like they were from a MTV reality show, then Christina Applegate seemed to appear out of nowhere.  I would love for her to sign my “Sweetest Thing” DVD insert, especially since I already have Cameron Diaz on it. She was posing for the photographers and is still pregnant, so it didn’t look like she would be coming across the street. That’s understandable because of her condition. But I had this sinking feeling that since nobody else was coming across, Drew probably wouldn’t either.  But as Mike (Mike Gets Around) says, “You just never know!”

Finally, the black livery cars and SUV’s begin to arrive. Aside from not recognizing a soul coming out of them, nobody was coming across to sign at this point, either. Another SUV pulls up, the doors open, and…… a bus stops directly in front of us and blocks our view. Damn red lights! UGH! People groan and yell at the bus. It finally moves, and there is Drew! SHE IS COMING ACROSS THE STREET! She begins signing autographs here and there. She makes her way down the barricade. She sees my Rolling Stone Magazine from 1995 with her on the cover and signs it.

I told her I had waited a long time for her to sign it and that I was a big fan. She sweetly responded, “Thank you so very much for coming.”  I am out of my mind excited that this just happened. She continued to sign all the way down the barricade. She ends up being the only celeb to cross the street. Justin Long arrives and poses for the press. The final major arrival was Kate Beckinsale and Len Wiseman.

As I scroll through my pictures and I’m thrilled with the evening. Thank you, Drew, for making this a special summer evening.  I look forward to seeing the movie!

Check out the full set of pics from the Going The Distance premiere.