Going the Distance: 10 Drew Barrymore Movies You'll Love

It's been almost 3 decades now, that actress Drew Barrymore has been captivating audiences on the silver screen. I've watched her through the years, growing from one of the cutest Hollywood child actresses into a troubled teen and then into a mature and beautiful woman. Drew Barrymore's transition has been not unlike the transformation from catterpillar into butterfly - not without it's awkward and ugly stages but, then, what Hollywood Cinderella tale isn't?

With the release of her new movie, "Going the Distance," I'd like to take a few moments and reflect on some other great roles that this talented actress acted in. Maybe you've seen some of these or maybe you haven't. If you're a true Drew Barrymore fan, though, you'll definitely want to check these out:

10 Great Drew Barrymore Roles You Shouldn't Miss

1. Gertie in "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" - This was Barrymore's second movie, but the one that launched her into stardom. Directed by Steven Spielberg, E.T. was based on an imaginary friend that Spielberg had created after his parents divorced. A magical and touching tale about a group of children who try and help an alien return home, "E.T." was a favorite movie of many children during the 80's. Drew was exceptionally cute in her role as the little sister, "Gertie."

2. Charlie McGee in "Firestarter" - This movie always made me wonder if Stephen King had issues with creepy girls. I'm not sure why, but Charlie McGee always had weird "Carrie" overtones for me, but I loved both of the movies. In "Firestarter," Drew Barrymore plays a young girl who has developed pyrokinesis. As the government seeks to control her, she develops it to dangerous levels in this 1984 sci-fi thriller.

3. Casey Brodsky in "Irreconcilable Differences" - Also released in 1984 was this comedy-drama in which young Casey Brodsky chooses to divorce her parents. Of course, most kids have entertained thoughts of this at one point or another during their lives but, interestingly, Drew actually did go on to file for emancipation from her parents - and was successful in doing so.

4. Ivy in "Poison Ivy" - This is bad-girl Barrymore at her finest. Released in 1992, this is a thrilling tale of a wicked and twisted teenage girl who befriends another girl before stepping in and attempting to take over her life. Sleek and seductive, the character of Ivy was ranked Entertainment Weekly's #6 "bad girl" on the list of top 26 "bad girls" of all time. If you like a wicked, witchy woman - don't pass this one up.

5. Holly Gooding/Doppelganger in "Doppelganger" - This movie was rather remeniscent of "Poison Ivy" in that it also deals with a bad girl (or in this case, evil twin), attempting to take over an innocent's life. Released in 1993, this is a good DVD rental for when you want to chill with a bowl of popcorn.

6. Lily Laronette in "Bad Girls" - Okay, okay, no laughing. Yes, I did watch this and I surprisingly enjoyed it. A 1994 western, "Bad Girls" tells the story of four prositutes who end up on the run after a case of justifiable homicide. The film has some funny moments and it's good at drawing you into the story. Besides, who doesn't like sexy women with six-shooters?

7. Holly Pulchik-Lincoln in "Boys on the Side" - Teaming up with Mary-Louise Parker and Whoopi Goldberg for this 1995 comedy-drama was a smart move for Drew Barrymore. Telling the tale of three women who hop in a car and take off on a road trip together, "Boys on the Side" is the epitome` of chick flick movies at their finest. It's funny, it's touching and it's really hard to forget.

8. Julia Sullivan in "The Wedding Singer" - You might have expected me to list Drew's role of Casey Becker in "Scream" next, since I usually write about loving comedies, but I actually preferred her in the role of Jula Sullivan in "The Wedding Singer." Playing the part of a waitress who befriends a washed-out wedding singer, Drew Barrymore is sweet, funny and totally endearing.

9. Dylan Sanders in "Charlie's Angels" - What's not to love in this 2000 film (and the 2003 sequel, for that matter)? You have 3 gorgeous private investigators (played by Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu), Bill Murray as Bosley and an all-star cast that even includes the likes of Tim Curry and Crispin Glover (another personal favorite of mine). This is a must-see, whether you were a fan of the old TV series or not.

10. Karen Pomeroy in "Donnie Darko" - This is a small but interesting role for actress Drew Barrymore. I've never really been able to put Donnie Darko to works, as it's just a very creepy and strange film. A popular cult classic, it also stars Jake Gyllenhaal and the late Patrick Swayze.

With the release of "Going the Distance" just around the corner, audiences are gearing up and getting ready to watch this new romantic comedy. Starring real life couple Drew Barrymore and Justin Long (he's the cute Mac guy from the popular Apple's "Get a Mac" commercials), the film tells the tale of a couple who are trying to maintain a long-distance relationship, with one person in New York and the other in California. Considering Drew's track record, it's sure to be a hit.

Sources:

http://www.drewbarrymore.com/ - Information on Drew Barrymore

http://www.imdb.com - Movie information