Romantic comedies can be a moviegoer’s best friend or worst enemy. For each one that simply hits it out of the park, there’s a thousand more trying to do all they can to be something they are not. You all know exactly what I’m talking about. But, director Jonathan Levine (The Wackness, 50/50) turns this worn-out genre into something current and crowd-pleasing with Long Shot. It has its fair share of traditional touches, but it’s unconventional where it counts like gender-swapping the lead roles. Instantly, the movie aligns with and recognizes the culture we’re currently living in. Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean it’s polite in its screwy yet sweet story of opposites attract. There’s enough shock and awe to last you.
As Fred Flarsky, Seth Rogen plays a talented, maverick journalist who can’t help but find trouble with every article he writes. Charlize Theron is Charlotte Field, a sophisticated, beautiful, and brilliant woman who is also the youngest Secretary of State. She has incredible influence with her sights set on becoming the first female President of the United States. So, how in the hell do these two meet?
Actually, Fred and Charlotte go way back to when Fred was just 13 years old and Charlotte was his babysitter. Fast forward a few decades and Fred spots his childhood crush at a fancy party that his best friend Lance (a sensational, scene-stealing O’Shea Jackson, Jr.) takes him too. He’s sold once he finds out Boyz II Men will be performing.
Charlotte recognizes Fred and, as they reconnect, she’s re-introduced to his self-effacing humor and his childhood memories of her idealism and craving to change the world. This leads to Charlotte making an erratic decision of bringing Fred along with her as her speechwriter as she plans to make history. Her trusted advisers (June Diane Raphael and Ravi Patel) on the other hand aren’t too thrilled to say the least.
As they travel around the world together getting to know each other more and more, things begin to get hot and heavy between Fred and Charlotte. Sounds crazy, but their love is legit! Uncertainty awaits though as the limelight gets brighter and brighter for Charlotte and her political aspirations while Fred is in the shadows second-guessing himself and the relationship he never thought was possible.
Theron and Rogen may look like the oddest of companions, but their chemistry is tip-top. There’s a wonderful balance between their performances that make their every move feel just right even if you’ve guessed it already. Not since Knocked Up has Rogen been in such rare form when falling in love. And I can’t be the only one who thinks Theron needs more comedies in her life. In movies like Tully and Young Adult, she gets to show shades of her funny side – but Long Shot is where it’s all out there in the open with no restrictions for any and every one to partake in and enjoy.
As ridiculous and raunchy as this rom-com is, it makes certain to be more than that by being heartwarming and hilarious. With all of that, how can you not have a good time? There’s romance, laughs, politics…and I bet it’s hard to believe they all go so well together. But indeed they do because of Levine and a sensational cast serving up an entertaining concoction to get you feeling good. Long Shot easily does the trick.
“Nature Boy” Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of Brandon’s Box Office In Your Mouth. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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