Grade: A
Author: Billy Madden
Graded ‘A’ by ‘The Movie Grader,’ Long Shot offers a delightful blend of comedy and heartfelt messages, showcasing Seth Rogen’s knack for delivering perfection in comic roles. However, this film transcends the typical stoner comedy genre. It encapsulates a love story and a call to action: stand firm in your beliefs without compromising, regardless of external pressure.
In Long Shot, Seth Rogen shines as Fred Flarsky, a liberal journalist who quits his job after a conservative giant swallows his small news source. He stays true to his ideals, refusing to dabble in conservative media. Fate takes a turn when Flarsky crosses paths with Secretary of State Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron) at a party. The pair’s history is rekindled as Field, aspiring to be the next President of the United States, seeks Flarsky’s knack for writing speeches to bolster her poll numbers. I won’t spill any more beans; the rest is a journey worth discovering on screen.
Rogen and Theron’s on-screen chemistry sets the stage ablaze, executing a brilliantly written script filled with rib-tickling humor. The visual disparity between the windbreaker-clad, somewhat shabby Flarsky, and the sophisticated Field is a source of constant laughter. Their odd couple charm alone is bound to light up your face!
With a fun premise and endless laughs filling the 115-minute runtime, Long Shot is never dull. It invites introspection on personal morals and values, presenting an underlying powerful message that challenges the current cutthroat political environment.
Apologies for the belated review – the film debuted on May 3rd. Rest assured; its brilliant content should grant it longevity in theaters. Don’t miss one of this summer’s best comedies! Bring your friends or family (R-rated age restriction applies) for a screening of Long Shot. Expect abundant laughter and emerge from the theater as a better human being.
MOVIE INFO
Fred Flarsky is a gifted and free-spirited journalist with a knack for getting into trouble. Charlotte Field is one of the most influential women in the world — a smart, sophisticated, and accomplished politician. When Fred unexpectedly runs into Charlotte, he soon realizes she is his former babysitter and childhood crush. When Charlotte decides to run for the presidency, she impulsively hires Fred as her speechwriter — much to the dismay of her trusted advisers.
- Rating: R (Some Drug Use|Language Throughout|Strong Sexual Content)
- Genre: Romance, Comedy
- Original Language: English
- Director: Jonathan Levine
- Producer: Charlize Theron, A.J. Dix, Beth Kono, Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen, James Weaver
- Writer: Liz Hannah, Dan Sterling
- Release Date (Theaters): May 3, 2019, Wide
- Runtime: 2h 3m
- Distributor: Summit Entertainment, Lionsgate Films
- Production Co: Point Grey, Denver, and Delilah Productions
- Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
- Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)