Customer Reviews

My Date with Drew

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I loved My Date with Drew. Yes, it's a documentary, but it is very funny and personable and even a little bit inspirational. We all had crushes on celebrities during our youth (and some of us, as adults, still do), and we all dreamed of meeting the superstar objects of our affections. At 27, Brian Herzlinger still had a life-long crush on Drew Barrymore. When he won eleven hundred bucks on a game show (with Drew Barrymore as the winning answer - that's fate, that is), he decided to use the money to pursue a dream - his dream of a date with Drew. Yes, seeing as how he was unemployed at the time, he probably should have used the money for more practical things - bills, for example - but the guy had a dream and he went for it (which is more than a lot of us can say). Thanks to a retailer's policy of letting you return purchases after thirty days, he got himself a camera, assembled all of his friends, and filmed his efforts to win a date with Drew within 30 days. Is it possible for a nobody to get a date with one of the most famous people on the planet? The odds were definitely against him. The ups and downs of his personal quest certainly make for a uniquely entertaining experience, one which most of us can identify with in a number of ways.

Brian was a nobody, but he wasn't as big a nobody as, well me, for example. As an aspiring filmmaker, he was already out there in Hollywood fluttering around the fringes of the business, he knew several people with movie-related jobs and a range of connections, and he had a great network of friends who supported him as well as helped him with the technological aspects of the whole documentary he was making on the experience. I thought Brian himself was quite likeable; watching him bounce back and forth between euphoria and resignation as events unfolded cannot help but take you back down memory lane a little ways. It's not an auspicious beginning as Brian asks strangers on the street for help and advice, but his crew of supporters takes the project in hand and commences a full-court press of an effort. They talk to people in the business, as well as folks who know someone who knows someone who knows Drew; they land interviews with the writer of Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, Corey Feldman, and others who actually know Drew; they contact the folks at Drew's company; and everything else they can think of (which eventually includes a web site and radio interviews). Brian even goes so far as to hire a Drew look-alike for a practice date to build up his confidence (it does the opposite, by the way, with the date critique supplying some of the funniest moments in the film). All the while, Plan B consists of getting Brian in to meet Drew at the premiere of Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle.

I had a ball watching this documentary. Yes, it looks like an amateur documentary because that is what it is. Eleven hundred bucks isn't going to buy you the best equipment and cameramen, you know. I won't tell you how it all works out because it really is the journey that matters most. One can criticize Brian for having a date with Drew rather than, say, world peace, as his biggest goal in life, but what matters is that he had the guts to go for it just as hard as he possibly could, risking embarrassment (and lots of it) and impending financial gloom and doom in the process. No matter what our own goals are, how many of us can say the same?

I got this movie/documentary out of my local video store not really knowing what it was about. It's one of those movies u think o.k there's nothing else on the shelf I'll give it a go, but within the first 10 mins I was laughing and thoroughly enjoying my Date with Drew. It's often hilarious, verrry quirky (which I love) and just a cool concept really, yes he's idealistic but most of us kids from the 80's are, blame it on the cheesy but genuis sitcoms and inspirational family movies we grew up with, and a lot of us late 20 and early 30 somethings r still searching for that elusive dream whatever it may be. It may have been for him to search out his celebrity crush, but the message of just going for your dream no matter what was very cute and I think rather inspirational, Drew Barrymore is one of my fav actor's as well so I was soooooooo happy at the end when they finally got to meet, she was just as genuine and sweet as one would think she was and I believe she was trully touched in a sweet way (and not in a freaked out I'm meeting a crazy fan/stalker way) that he made this movie/documentary about her, and it was obvious that she saw the bigger picture behind this movie/documentary and the message of following one's heart and making our dreams come true which is what she herself portrays in a lot of her own movies especially those made within her own company. It seems by the other reviews that there is no in between u either hate this or love this for whatever reason is up to u, and I don't think the film techniques are really an issue u take it for what it is, it's the bigger picture, the message that u get from this movie if one at all that u should really come away with. And if u find yourself spending too much time critisising camera angles and other techniques that are or are not being used, then u r defnitely not getting the brilliance of the idea and concept and just enjoying it for what it is, and u may as well just turn it off and watch something else cause it aen't gonna get better for ya, but if u r like me and want Brian to succeed in his mission and u become emotionally invested in wanting him to succeed then u forgive the sometimes bad camera work and just focus on his pursuit of making a life long dream come true, it's all up to u:):):)

Brian Herzlinger stars in and directed this engaging romantic-comedy of sorts. A romantic-comedy that also happens to be a documentary, following Brian's journey of attempting to get a date with actress Drew Barrymore. Brian's loved her since he was a kid, was a member of the fan club, and even has the original letters and pictures from joining the club. There's no doubt: Brian's the real deal. An uber-fan who really likes Drew. In the real world, the man would simply call the girl and ask for a date, but in Hollywood, there are no guarantees that you'll even be able to reach the girl!

This is an engaging, sweetly made film. A movie for kids and dreamers. Certainly not for the cynical, it'll instantly make you smile and believe that anything is possible. Even if you're a virtual nobody. The lasting impact you're left with is that you're capable of doing anything that seems entirely impossible. Nothing is impossible. Improbable maybe. But never impossible.

Brian Herzlinger is, simply put, a total doll. Drew would be stupid to not want to go on a date with this charming, bumbling, Jewish boy from New Jersey. And you'll be stupid not to at least crack a smile during this movie, if not jump up at the conclusion and cheer for our hero.

Brian Herzlinger has had a crush on Drew Barrimore since he was nine years old and at twenty-seven, he's ready to do something about it: armed with $1,100 and a video camera he must return to Circuit City in 30 days, he decides to try to get a date with her--and document the process.

The obstacles are obvious: Herzlinger doesn't know Drew Barrimore, he's broke, not particularly cute and she is, well, a movie star who also happens to be in a "very committed relationship."

Brian is surprisingly candid and realistic about his situation and his own flaws--which makes the viewer root for him. His adventures and misadventures are often hilarious and the end is sweet and funny. This is a good movie about going in search of your dreams, no matter the obstacles.

Give the guy a break. If not for the entertainment, then for his ingenuity. It's actually a cute, heart-warming movie. For a star-unstruck person like me, Drew was very likeable in this movie. She came across as down-to-earth and natural. I'm sure Circuit City did not mind their policy being "abused" with all the free promotion they got. For all I know, they might be on it also. Call me naive, but I prefer to believe the best of people's intentions. Best of luck to Brian.

From Smother Magazine smother.net:

Ordinary guys like to champion over incredible odds. It makes for a good story and it makes those Ordinary Joes at home feel downright okay with our normalcy. "My Date with Drew" is a perfect study at how being ordinary and working as hard as you can, can pay off with dream dividends fully reached. The movie is a documentary about one guy who decides after winning $1100 on a pilot show for a game show called "Taboo", that he will hunt down the lovely actress Drew Barrymore to gain one date with her. His life and status of ordinariness puts huge restrictions on him-his budget is the money he won (ironically because the winning answer was the esteemed actress herself) so only a bit more than a grand and 30 days (that's how long he has before the return policy on the video camera he got from Circuit City lasts). The guy is a likable sort who is an aspiring filmmaker in Hollywood that reminds one of the dude who ate McDonalds for thirty days in "Supersize Me". The film follows him in his pursuit of Drew and is hilarious with the six degrees of separation in full regal-something that aspiring actors and movie industry wannabes go through on a daily basis (I know so-and-so whose brother house sat for the massage therapist that knows this guy). Great laughs and an inspiring tale that makes one want to go and follow their own dreams.

After reading some of the dismal reviews some members gave I felt compelled to write my own. What is wrong with these people? I watched this film and found myself experiencing the same emotions as Brian. His despair, his surprise, the laughter and just the sheer joy. He and his friends were able to hit a homerun by editing the homemade film. Most people watch reality shows to see other people fail or to just to witness true emotions in a world that has become stoic. Not only do I highly recommend this film, after watching it (I rented it) I went out and purchased it to share with my friends.

Equally compelling to the film itself is the documentary/documentary included in the "extras" which showcases all the hoops Brian and his crew had to jump to get his film "out there" and into theaters. The whole experience is amazing.

You know, I had to chuckle when the movie opened with a quote from Drew Barrymore "If you don't take risks, you'll have a wasted Soul" Who is she to give advice? She married Tom Green didn't she? What was she thinking! But after watching this film I realized how enlightened a Soul Barrymore actually is. Kudos to Barrymore for supporting this project, Kudos to Brian for having the originality to do this and Kudos to Brian's friends for being such good friends. Heck, Kerry David is cool. Perhaps I should try to get a date with her in the next 30 days?

And for those reviewers who say he is a looser... Well... I don't see people buying a DVD of you do I? And, I am sure he has paid his mom back that $100 tenfold by now.

Highly recommend this film as one of the best documentaries I've seen since "Super Size me".
The only question I have is..... What happened next?

This documentary is very original, heartwarming and creative. All true, aspiring film maker Brian Herzlinger has a huge crush on Drew Barrymore and decides to take the winnings he got from a game show, use it as a budget, and gives himself 30 days to get a date with Drew.

A project such as this could be very tacky but the sincerity of his quest carries this whole film. Brian is a charming, regular guy and the lengths to which he goes to work through people who know Drew is often hilarious. As the film goes on you get so caught up in his venture you can't help but imagine yourself working to make a dream come true.

You must watch through this whole thing to encounter the last 30 minutes that will put you on an emotional roller coaster. I actually cried with this documentary !! The payoff at the end will fill your heart.

Original, daring, creative and filled with heart this documentary is a must for anyone who has a dream that could possibly be within reach but fear holds you back. It also shows there is still pure honest goodness in this world and to find moments of happiness are worth the journey.

Kudos to Brian.

First let me begin by saying that I didn't want to waste my time viewing this film. Why would I want to sit through a true life documentary film about an obsessive-compulsive twenty something fan still suffering from a childhood crush with an actress (Drew Barrymore) I didn't really like anyway. The only reason I did was because my daughter wanted me to watch it with her, so it was one of those quality time together opportunities I simply couldn't pass on.

With that all said I must now admit that I actually ended up enjoying the low-budget '03 movie, `My Date with Drew.' The main reason for this unexpected change in opinion was the star of the film, the obsessive-compulsive playing himself, Brian Herzlinger. Watching him experiencing the full range of human emotions in his quest for his dream date was an absolute delight.

The film also reveals a delightful glimpse into the quirky machinations of the Hollywood lifestyle and the all important process of discovering "who knows who" as he assembles a string of personal connections that will ultimately lead to a face to face introduction with his beloved Drew. Watch Brian and his group of co-conspirators comb the entertainment industry in search of a way to contact the elusive star. Radio interviews, billboards, websites, endless phone calls and fake backstage passes to private parties lead the viewer on a dizzying chase as time and money evaporate and all appears lost.

Definitely worth a viewing and just think how much more you'll enjoy it if you happen to be a Drew Barrymore fan.

Wide awake late last night, I decided to flip open my lap top and watch/download a movie. I narrowed it down to two documentaries: "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" and "My Date With Drew", having seen neither of the films before. I DEFINITLEY made the right choice. This movie was a breath of fresh air. Brian Herzlinger is not a stalker, nor an obsessed fan - he is simply a guy going through a dry spell in life [unemployed, struggling financially] and rather than sitting around and being depressed while waiting for a new job/opportunity to come through, he decides to embark on a sweet and ambitious project and films the journey.

Armed with $1100, which he won on a game where the winning answer was - ironically - Drew Barrymore, Brian decides to see if he can meet his childhood crush and proceeds to work every connection available to him in persuit of this endeavor. Fortunately for him, he seems to know a LOT more people in the film industry (albeit, on the periphery - mostly friends of friends or remote acquaintences) to get closer to Ms. Barrymore than the average person could to their favorite celeb. He takes great pains to ensure that his approach does not make him come off as mentally unstable and clarify that he's not trying to form an actual romantic relationship with the star. He doesn't sit ourside her house or try to get her phone number and leave tons of messages. Instead, he contacts her production company and networks to get in touch with her and let her know about this project.

Ultimately, whether or not someone will enjoy this film will depend almost entirely on whether they like it's lead character: no, not Drew Barrymore - Brian Herzlinger. I for one found him absolutely adorable. He reminds me of actor Scott Foley ["Noel" from the tv series "Felicity"]. He's a nice guy and by the end, you're really rooting for him to succeed.

Even if you don't particularly care for Herzlinger, I think anyone who has gone through a lull or transition in their life/career can relate to this movie. It's about finding hope, chasing a dream and being peristant when something seems impossible.

It *does* drag a little in a couple parts [Brian spending $75 on a psychic to tell him if he'll succeed, his friends commenting on whether he should get his body hair waxed], but overall, two thumbs up!