Long Shot

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Long Shot is a sweet, romantic film reminiscent of comedies form 80's and 90's. Of course, given the changes in our society and audience's tastes and sense of the humor (let's face it, for the worse), the comedy genre had to adjust and become, shall we say, less refined. But I can confidently say it's the sweetest movie where someone ejaculates in their own face.

There's a lot of political commentary and references to the current political situation in USA here. Bob Odenkirk plays a ridiculous guy who became president after years of playing one in a TV series. We all know who that character was inspired by. There's also hacking of webcams, giant corporations buying newspapers to use them as propaganda machines and misogynistic TV station constantly undermining female politicians and commenting on their appearance.
But surprisingly there is also a subplot offering genuine wisdom and depth. It involves Fred finding out his friend (O'Shea Jackson Jr., who practically steals the show) is a Christian and a Republican. His friend then makes him understand that those things on their own don't mean they have to be enemies and fight each other. Fred learns to be less judgmental which helps him understand both his friend and Charlotte. While this is clearly a movie made by and for those who support the left I imagine those who support the right will appreciate that plot development.

Theron's character Charlotte can't eat what she wants, doesn't have time to watch what she wants and she can't even date who she wants. She must follow those bullshit rules because in our world women are under much harder scrutiny than men. The film largely plays things for laughs but it is shockingly accurate and sadly true that this is exactly how things still are for women. No matter how qualified, smart or right, the game is still rigged against them.
Theron is great here and it's refreshing to see her working with funny material after years of playing such serious roles. She also gives Charlotte a lot of vulnerability and she is even adorable at times - like when Charlotte is genuinely affected whilst watching The Winter Soldier (there are few references to both MCU and Game of Thrones in the movie, firmly rooting it in our pop-cultural era).

Rogen and Theron have charming and lovely chemistry together and the scene where they both dance to Roxette (the soundtrack is fantastic! is really sweet. At times Theron's character feels so helpless and lost and it's adorable of Rogen's Fred to take charge, even if it means is finding drugs. And Charlotte helps Fred understand his full potential and use his gifts for good. Neither of them is perfect but together, by supporting each other, they become the best they can be and that is what happens in the best love stories.
It infuriates me to no end when people say comedies with Seth Rogen are stupid because he ends up with women "out of his league". If you think that then you are a shallow asshole. If you actually say it/write it down then you are a shameless shallow asshole. Seth Rogen is a good looking dude who is also, by all accounts, a very nice, sweet person. And so are the characters he plays. So can people please stop with this "out of his/her league" nonsense? Funnily enough, an actor who is considered hot - Alexander Skarsgard - plays a boring and lowkey creepy character. He comes off as dull and insecure and his efforts to get Charlotte to his room by pretending a mini bar is a venue are genuinely cringe-worthy. Between Liam Hemsworth in Isn't it Romantic? and now Alexander Skarsgard in this losing to 'every-man' I suspect those who are viewed as hot guys are about to throw a hissy fit next in the never-ending saga of men being outraged online.

While Long Shot is neither Theron's nor Rogen's best movie, it is romantic and funny and it's been a while since we  had a really good romantic comedy out in cinemas. While it is surprisingly timid for a Rogen's film you should still be prepared for the trifecta of drugs, bodily fluids and and F words. And yet, much like with terrific Zack and Miri Make a Porno, all of that doesn't stand in the way of the charm of the movie.
75/100 (USA, 2019, 125 min)
Plot: When Fred Flarsky reunites with his first crush, one of the most influential women in the world, Charlotte Field, he charms her. As she prepares to make a run for the Presidency, Charlotte hires Fred as her speechwriter and sparks fly.
Director: Jonathan Levine
Writers: Dan Sterling (screenplay by), Liz Hannah (screenplay by)
Stars: Charlize Theron, Seth Rogen, June Diane Raphael