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