In a time where successful (and inspired) studio romcoms seem to be migrating to Netflix and the theatrical version often carries something of a bland connotation, the tricky-sounding Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron rom-com and aptly-titled “Long Shot”—from the seemingly-dubious romantic political comedy genre—feels like an unlikely winner from the outside. But as a hilarious, emotional, heartfelt and topical comedy, not at all afraid of its genuine romance movie roots—it’s delightful, a roaring good time and massive crowdpleaser that should carve an ear-to-ear smile on even the biggest skeptic’s face.
READ MORE: The 100 Most Anticipated Films Of 2019
Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) is an investigative journalist with a knack for getting into trouble. After quitting his former job following a corporate buy out, the free-spirited writer runs into his former babysitter Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron) at a Boyz II Men fueled party who just happens to be the most powerful and influential women in the world – the Secretary of State potentially vying for a run at the presidency in the next election cycle. Charmed by their chance meeting, Charlotte impulsively hires Fred as her new speechwriter in an attempt to raise her approval levels (polls show humor matters), and the two embark upon a journey where some old and unexpected feelings may bring the two closer together.
READ MORE: SXSW Film Festival Preview: 16 Movies To See
Usually, comedies at festivals such as SXSW play exceptionally well and result in an inflated reaction to what is otherwise an average film, but during the premiere of “Long Shot” the energy in the Paramount Theater was honestly off the charts, and one couldn’t help but feel they were experiencing something special. This excitement, of course, was only enhanced two-fold when Seth Rogen brought out Boyz II Men for a surprise performance following the Q&A.
Perhaps expectations were tempered—director Jonathan Levine’s previous film was the Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn dud “Snatched.” But this smart, thoughtful comedy that runs two hours, but wisely places so much honest emotional investment into the authenticity of their relationship that blooms into romance, is serious redemption for the filmmaker and then some, outdoing all the recent Judd Apatow efforts and similar Seth Rogen/Evan Goldberg knock offs.
Perhaps Levine and screenwriters Dan Sterling and Elizabeth Hannah’s biggest accomplishment is their ability to lighten the mood when bringing such tense subject matter as our current political climate to the forefront. From Bob Odenkirk’s hilarious TV-Star-turned-President, to the Steve Bannon-esque caricature of a media mogul (played by an unrecognizable Andy Serkis in layers of makeup), to the manifestation of many online social media arguments you’ve already witnessed between friends and family, no one is safe from the aim of the filmmakers. Rarely are the jabs reaching for low hanging fruit and it all works to foster a shared theater-going experience that eases the tension of these divisive times with laughter (the digs at Fox News, their bad faith-motivated talking heads, and their convenient tendency to tune out major news and focus on something inane, are especially uproarious, but by and large any shots taken are restrained, brief and subtle). But while “Long Shot” certainly has all of the elements of an “of the moment” political satire, that texture is definitely secondary with the relationship between Fred and Charlotte as the focus and what truly gives this film its heart and charm. A solid supporting cast doesn’t hurt either. June Diane Raphael is terrific as Theron’s comms director, Ravi Patel is great, and O’Shea Jackson Jr. (“Straight Outta Compton“) steals absolutely every scene he’s in and is the movie’s surprise, comedic ace in the hole.
From the outside, Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen as romantic partners seem to be far-fetched, but Levine patiently crafts a film that lays down layers and levels of trust and genuineness; by the time they finally consummate their bubbling, cute and charming romance, you fully buy into it. “Long Shot” puts in the work to cultivate, grow and make this relationship convincing, and it pays off.
The genuine and authentic chemistry between Theron (who surprisingly has incredible comedic chops) and Rogen is felt from the instant the former babysitter and babysittee reunite after years of pursuing their respective paths. It isn’t an instant connection, but there’s a genuine spark ignited that is confidently and carefully nurtured throughout. Their journey isn’t without its hurdles. Fred’s hard-headedness and aggressive pursuit of righteousness sometimes blind him to the reality of the situation, and likewise, Charlotte’s commitment to becoming the next president and workaholic tendencies complicate matters forcing her to compromise on her core beliefs. The two learn and grow from one another enriching their arc to the fullest, and while the pathway to this delightful pairing does follow a studio rom-com formula to a degree, it does so in super winning fashion and veers off in some unconventional ways while warming your heart and making you bust a gut laughing all the same.
“Long Shot” presents itself with sincerity, delivering a raucous good time and timely political commentary. Simply put, it’s a consistent laugh out loud comedy with a big heart that should please all kinds of audiences (and the rare rom-com aimed at both women and men and not just either or). “Long Shot” isn’t your typical Seth Rogen stoner comedy (not that those aren’t great) and is all the better for it. While the film certainly wears its R rating as a badge of honor with raunchiness and debauchery galore, there is an astute commentary made on the status of our country’s political division interwoven with a familiar yet relatable romance that makes this campaign one anyone can confidently endorse. [B+]
Click here for more of our coverage from SXSW 2019.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEQwEhffVzY
