Google the definition of a long shot and this is what you will get - a venture or guess that has only the slightest chance of succeeding or being accurate. That idea can pertain to almost anything from a job prospect to asking someone out on a date to winning the lottery. In the case of the new movie from Lionsgate, Long Shot could include the aforementioned date or becoming the President of the United States of America. Whatever the case may be, it generally means the deck is stacked against you like both of our main characters find out in this two-hour romantic comedy.
Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogan; Knocked Up) is a journalist who works for the Brooklyn Advocate. He is brash and outspoken and about as liberal as they come. When his company gets bought out by media conglomerate Wembley Media Flarsky quits in a rage since he finds the owner, Parker Wembley (Andy Serkis; The Planet of the Apes Series) to be immoral. In an attempt to cheer Flarsky up, his best friend, Lance (O'Shea Jackson Jr.; Straight Outta Compton) takes him to a wildlife benefit Fund party which also happens to be attended by Secretary of State, Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron; Mad Max: Fury Road).
Field asks to see Flarsky because she thinks she knows him and she is right…they were neighbors and she used to babysit for him. Finding he is unemployed and liking his work, Field hires Flarsky to be her speechwriter in her attempt to make a presidential run. As they work together, they become reacquainted and grow closer. However, things fall apart when Wembley threatens Field via public humiliation of Flarsky. Unwilling to see her friend hurt, Field goes along with the plan which ultimately puts a wedge between her and Flarsky.
When one thinks of romantic couples falling in love on screen, one's mind does not automatically veer towards Rogen with Theron. It's an odd couple pairing but these two actors seem to have some chemistry so it works. There are funny moments and heartwarming scenes and these two actors play both well. Jackson Jr. is a natural as Flarsky's best friend offering advice and encouraging him to be his best. June Diane Raphael (The Disaster Artist) and Ravi Patel (Transformers) are great as Field's assistants and Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul) has a great cameo as President Chambers.
Let's face it, if you like romcoms you will love this one. It has humor and heart while offering some smart insight into the political realm. It is predictable and follows the formula to a certain extent but it offers a little twist since in this case, the female is the power player in this couple while the man is the one who needs "rescuing". The ending is completely unrealistic but after a fun few hours who really cares. The writing isn't watered down and the dialogue is neither cliqued nor boring.
Theron lets loose a little bit in Long Shot offering a glimpse into a comedian from an otherwise serious actress. Rogen has played this type of character before but he is a good choice and he and Theron genuinely seem to get along ( at least on screen). The rest of the cast compliments them well.
This is a fun date night movie which offers viewers a step above the typical romantic comedy fare that has most women swooning and most men rolling their eyes. You can do far worse than to spend your time and money on Long Shot.
Grade: B
