MOVIE REVIEW: LONG SHOT

Fred Flarsky is a gifted and free-spirited journalist who has a knack for getting into trouble. Charlotte Field is one of the most influential women in the world -- a smart, sophisticated and accomplished politician. When Fred unexpectedly runs into Charlotte, he soon realizes that she was his former baby sitter and childhood crush. When Charlotte decides to make a run for the presidency, she impulsively hires Fred as her speechwriter -- much to the dismay of her trusted advisers.

Director: Jonathan Levine

Cast: Charlize Theron, Seth Rogen, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Andy Serkis, June Diane Raphael, Bob Odenkirk, Alexander Skarsgård

Release Date: May 3, 2019

Genres: Comedy, Romance

Rated R for strong sexual content, language throughout and some drug use

Runtime: 2 h 5min

Review:

Every once in a while a romantic comedy manages to bust out of that genre’s general mediocrity.  Long Shot isn’t one of the best but it is a funny film that overcomes its short coming.  Once you get over the clearly outlandish premises, the script and cast really make the material shine.  The film ends up coming off as softer kinder version of Veep melded with a gender reversed Pretty Woman.  Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen have surprisingly solid chemistry, on paper it shouldn’t work but it does thanks to both of them.  Theron, in particular, continues to show an amazing ability to work in any role and genre.  Rogen is in his wheelhouse, of course, so it’s an easy fit for him.  O'Shea Jackson and June Diane Raphael fill in as the leads respective sidekicks which each making the most of their screen time.  The plotting hits on all usual rom-com mile markers, making everything fairly predictable.  It does start to overstay its welcome in the final act and could have used a tad bit of trimming.  Regardless, it’s a fun raunchy comedy that’s enjoyable enough to keep most people laughing.

B

MOVIE REVIEW: THE NIGHT BEFORE

Every Christmas Eve for the last decade, best friends Isaac (Seth Rogen), Ethan (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), and Chris (Anthony Mackie) have reunited for a wild night on the town in New York City. But since the guys are getting older and have to face new responsibilities, their tradition is about to come to an end. As a result, they plan one last epic night together, which includes finding their way to a legendary party called the Nutcracka Ball. Lizzy Caplan, Miley Cyrus, Mindy Kaling, Jillian Bell, and Michael Shannon co-star. Directed by Jonathan Levine. ~ Jennifer Lackman, Rovi

Director: Jonathan Levine     

Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anthony Mackie, Lizzy Caplan, Michael Shannon.

Release Date: Nov 20, 2015    

Rated R for

Runtime: 1 hr. 41 min.    

Genres: Buddy Film, Holiday Film, Comedy    

Review:

The Night Before is a solid stoner comedy that never really hits its marks consistently enough to elevate it above better comedies of its ilk.  Jonathan Levine moves his film along at a brisk pace which helps when we run into one of the many dead spots in the film.  When it hits its mark it’s really funny with Seth Rogen and Michael Shannon delivering the best bits.  Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Anthony Mackie are decent but they don’t quite have the comedic timing that Rogen pulls off so well.  The film is pepper with plenty of comedy stalwarts and each takes advantage of their time on screen.  It has all the hallmarks of what should be a classic comedy but it just never gets there for some reason.  

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: WARM BODIES

WARM BODIES




A tormented zombie (Nicholas Hoult) experiences a profound transformation after entering into an unusual relationship with the daughter (Teresa Palmer) of a military leader charged with eradicating the walking dead. As the unlikely pair build a tenuous bridge between the living and the dead, those on both sides of the battle begin to sense that nothing in their world will ever be the same again. Warm Bodies is based on the novel by Isaac Marion. Rob Corddry and John Malkovich round out the starring cast. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Jonathan Levine

Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, Rob Corddry, John Malkovich, Dave Franco

Release Date: Feb 01, 2013

Rated PG-13 for zombie violence and some language

Runtime: 1 hr. 38 min.

Genres: Comedy

Review:

Warm Bodies is a simple film which a bit of a statement for a zombie rom-com. Director Jonathan Levine keeps things as simple as possible while giving us a self aware version of Twilight with a much better sense of humor. Its light fare at it’s fluffiest. Its center is an incredibly fun, charming and ultimately engaging performance from Nicholas Hoult. From the moment we hear his internal monologue the audience is sucked into his plight and quest for zombie reinvention. R is pretty much Buddy from Day of the Dead with a romantic heart. Love truly conquers all, even rigor mortis. As mentioned the plot is thread bare and while it’ll keep you grinning throughout you can’t help but think it could have been streamlined or that it’s rather neutered to keep that sacred PG-13 rating. Teresa Palmer is rather bland but serviceable. Rob Corddry and a steady John Malkovich do solid work in limited roles. Warm Bodies is an almost sugary sweet zombie love story, it’s not perfect but who is.

B-