With a story that hits too close to home featuring two natural comedians, Lionsgate’s new raunchy, smart, and hilarious comedy is an immediate reflection of now.
Picture this: A secretary of state runs for president. If she wins, she would become the first female president of the United States. Being in the office is something she’s aimed for since she was young.
Of course, that isn’t hard to picture. It was the 2016 election. But it’s also the premise of Long Shot, the politically infused romantic comedy produced by and starring the dynamic duo of Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron. As the above synopsis might reveal, Charlize Theron plays Charlotte Field, Secretary of State in the cabinet of President Chambers (Bob Odenkirk). Chambers, it is worth nothing, has no political experience beyond playing the president on TV, continuing the theme of echoing the current political state. When Charlotte brings aboard bumbling journalist Fred Flarksy (Seth Rogen) as a speechwriter, he becomes both an unlikely positive asset to the campaign and to Charlotte as well.
Even with a predictable storyline, Long Shot, as a whole, is an enjoyable film that suffers under its own relevance. We head in with trepidation; we’ve heard this story before and we’re still living through it: the unqualified president, the double standards, the perfectionism. We’re a little worried that these might still exist, even in the world of Long Shot. Some people go to the movies to escape but this is a close reflection of reality, not a departure. After a few years, this film may not hold any relevance. And that will be a good thing (we’re no longer surprised by women running for president) and a bad thing (this film is so much more than a romantic comedy).
My advice? See it now while it’s still relevant and stick with it. Suspend your disbelief and the current world for 90 minutes. When you do, you’re rewarded with a thoroughly humorous and surprising film.
So let’s talk about those surprises:
Charlize Theron, Stand out heroine and comedienne: Theron may not be known for her comedic chops and Long Shot will change that. Despite Seth Rogen’s long history as a comedic producer, writer, and actors, it’s Theron’s Field that yields the most laughs, perhaps because of the surprising mixture of profanity, sexuality, and wit, and the believability with which it is delivered.
“Come on Field Da Noise” – If want a tiny microcosm of the comedic genius on display, look no further than the signs in Charlotte Field’s presidential run: Field of Dreams! Come on Field Da Noise! I wish those were real…
Boys II Men: They surprised the audience at Long Shot’s SXSW premiere and they make an appearance in the film. Enough said.
The Look: From the very beginning, Long Shot does not “look” like a romantic comedy. The haze and natural light at use is a characteristic of Cinematographer Yves Belanger, a frequent collaborator of Jean-Marc Vallée. Their work together on HBO’s Sharp Objects was driven by natural light.
The Raunch: There is a distinct unmistakable moment that almost derails Long Shot. The only thing that saves the train jumping the track is reminding yourself that you are in a Seth Rogen movie. So while you watch, remember that bit of advice.
Not plain enough for the plane: As far as romantic comedies go, they can be placed in two categories: Date Night Watch or Plane Watch. You should not, any under circumstances, watch this on a plane. Both because this film deserves your full attention, and, half of the film will be removed (see above).
And lastly, relax: At some point in Long Shot, you feel like you’re just watching two people banter, whether be Charlotte and Fred, or Fred and his best friend Lance (played by O’Shea Jackson). There’s an ease in these moments; as if you happened to put a camera in the room, as opposed to folks acting for the camera. You just feel like you’re witnessing authentic humanity and conversations. And, at the end of the day, isn’t that what you want all movies to be?
Long Shot opens in theaters on Friday, May 3rd.