"My Date With Drew": A filmmaker's loopy quest for his Dulcinea
Well, who wouldn't want a date with Drew Barrymore? The likable homemade documentary "My Date With Drew" follows the understandable if not exactly lofty quest of 27-year-old Brian Herzlinger, an aspiring Los Angeles filmmaker who gave himself 30 days to score a dinner date with the adorable star of "Charlie's Angels."
Inspired by an interview quote from his longtime crush — "If you don't take risks, you'll have a wasted soul" — Herzlinger bought a video camera at Circuit City, and, with his pals Jon Gunn and Brett Winn, documented his journey. Why 30 days? Well, Circuit City, it turns out, has a no-hassle 30-day-return policy (which is quite possibly being re-jiggered any moment now), and they couldn't really afford to buy the camera.
This sort of all-about-me documentary has the potential to be unbearable, and occasionally "My Date with Drew" comes near to crossing a line, particularly when we have to hear far too much about Herzlinger's personal finances. But this film, like the actress who inspired it, has an appealing sweetness that sneaks up on its viewer.
"My Date With Drew," a documentary by Jon Gunn, Brian Herzlinger and Brett Winn. 90 minutes. Rated PG for mild thematic elements and language. Varsity, Pacific Place, Regal East Village.
The "Drew Crew," as the trio called themselves, essentially ambled around Los Angeles for 30 days, calling everyone they could think of, soliciting advice from strangers (the Java Juice counter guy was especially encouraging) and family alike. Herzlinger's mom in Jersey, concerned that perhaps Drew isn't right for her son, urges him "don't make it longterm." Actor Eric Roberts, who's worked with Drew, advises Brian to buff up. Drew's facialist suggests doing something about his broken capillaries. And a friend is frankly horrified by the idea of the documentary, observing that "the dumbing of America is complete."
That all of this is on camera — and that the goofy Herzlinger occasionally comes off as more than a bit self-absorbed — makes the film quirky and real; you could script a story like this, but it would probably fall flat.
Ultimately, I found myself succumbing to his — and the film's — genuine charm and enthusiasm. And did Drew? Oh, I couldn't possibly tell you. Have a date with "My Date with Drew" and find out.
Moira Macdonald: 206-464-2725 or mmacdonald@seattletimes.com