Go the Distance

In 1987, a motorcycle accident left then-21-year-old Paul Scherdell a quadriplegic facing years of arduous physical and psychological therapy. But Go the Distance is not about that process; rather it's a chronicle of a trip across America that Scherdell took with his high school friend, former Marine Jeff Turner. From Massachusetts to California, Paul deals with fears of being helpless on the road, and dependent on his friend every step of the way, while Jeff finds the trip to be much more work than he anticipated, eventually becoming irritated with the daily tasks he needs to perform for Paul--wiping his nose, etc. Yet, ultimately, the two men complete the trip, and both come away with a great sense of accomplishment. Avoiding mawkish sentimentality toward the handicapped, Go the Distance is an honest portrait that tempers its inspirational message with the down-to-earth realities of being--and caring for--a “quad.” Also worth noting is Scherdell's music on the soundtrack; he not only has a fine voice but also plays a mean blues harmonica. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Fisher)