Watch National Lampoon's Going the Distance

National Lampoon's Going the Distance is a 2004 comedy film directed by Mark Griffiths and starring Christopher Jacot, Joanne Kelly, and Shawn Roberts. The film follows the misadventures of four friends - Nick, Shawn, Jason, and Randy - as they embark on a road trip from Canada to Los Angeles to compete in a video game championship.

Nick is the leader of the group and the most dedicated gamer. He is determined to win the video game championship and prove his worth to his estranged father, who is also a gamer. Shawn is Nick's best friend and sidekick. He is a laid-back slacker who is more interested in partying than winning a championship. Jason is the techno-geek of the group, and Randy is the jock who provides the muscle.

The journey from Canada to Los Angeles is full of mishaps and obstacles. Along the way, the group encounters a crazy truck driver, a hitchhiking hippie, and a group of rowdy bikers. They also get in trouble with the law, lose their car and money, and have to rely on their wits and resourcefulness to continue their journey.

As they get closer to Los Angeles, tensions flare up between the group members. Nick's single-minded determination to win the championship puts a strain on his friendship with Shawn, while Jason and Randy struggle to deal with their own personal issues.

When they finally arrive in Los Angeles, they discover that the video game championship is being held in a run-down arcade, and the competition is being dominated by a group of ruthless gamers. Nick and his friends must use all their skills and ingenuity to beat the competition and win the championship.

National Lampoon's Going the Distance is a hilarious and entertaining film that captures the spirit of the 2000s gaming culture. The film is full of pop culture references and nods to classic video games, such as Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. The characters are likable and relatable, and the chemistry between the actors is excellent.

The film's humor is a mix of slapstick comedy and witty one-liners. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, as well as some clever jokes that require a bit of knowledge about video games and pop culture. The humor is not overly crude or offensive, making it suitable for a wide audience.

The film's pacing is brisk and keeps the audience engaged throughout the journey. The various obstacles and challenges that the group encounters on their road trip are entertaining and keep the plot moving. The film's climax, which takes place during the video game championship, is exciting and satisfying.

Overall, National Lampoon's Going the Distance is a fun, nostalgic, and enjoyable film that will appeal to anyone who grew up in the 2000s gaming culture. The film's cast, humor, and plot all work together to create a memorable and entertaining experience.

National Lampoon's Going the Distance is a comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.