There may not be too many actors who seem to enjoy themselves while working in the way that Seth Rogen does. One thing you can always bank on is that he is going to throw himself completely into whatever role he plays. Unfortunately he can be more of an acquired taste at times. Charlize Theron is a bit trickier to gauge. She has given some great performances (Tully (2018)) as well some that totally missed the mark (A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014)). The question becomes, what should you expect in the new romantic comedy, Long Shot?
Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) is a free wheeling journalist who isn’t afraid to say what’s on his mind. His inability to hold his tongue has gotten him into some less than desirable situations. When his passionate beliefs lands him in the land of the unemployed, it’s his longtime friend Lance (O’Shea Jackson Jr.) who puts Fred back on a positive path.
This path leads him to a chance meeting with a childhood neighbor, Charlotte (Charlize Theron), who just so happens to be U.S. Secretary of State. Charlotte gives Fred an opportunity that he cannot pass up as she extends an invitation for him to become her speechwriter. Needless to say, all kinds of zany and unexpected things start to happen as this odd couple interacts. What starts as a job opportunity could very well become an opportunity of a lifetime.
Sometimes Seth Rogen is his own worst enemy. What may start off as oddly funny, quickly becomes a cringe-worthy dud. Thankfully the reigns were held tightly in Long Shot. Whenever he starts to drift too far to one direction or the other, someone reels him back in. In this particular case it’s often Charlize Theron bringing balance. Her talents are well utilized in her role as a powerful, yet vulnerable, woman which a touch of humor and sass that audiences will gravitate towards.
Like salty snacks and any form of chocolate goodness, Rogen and Theron are the perfect pairing for one another. It is their insane chemistry with one another that pushes this political romcom towards that of complete enjoyment. Witty banter and heartfelt conversation all Long Shot to become a movie worth investing your time into. The supporting cast, which includes O’Shea Jackson Jr., June Diane Raphael, Ravi Patel and Alexander Skarsgård, makes this more of an ensemble effort that hits on so many levels. And the transformation of the look of Andy Serkis (Planet of the Apes trilogy) is outstanding. It seems as though they had a ball making this film.
Long Shot marks the third time (50/50 (2011), The Night Before (2015)) that director Jonathan Levine has worked with Seth Rogen, and all of these movies have been enjoyable in their own right. This is great news for moviegoers looking to getaway from the current superhero saturation seeping through cinemas right now. Whether going with a date, a group of friends or simply alone, you can feel confident knowing that you’re guaranteed to have a few laughs while seeing this feature. Check it out in theaters now.
