At a glance, they would seem improbable. A clever narrative setup that has been told time and again. A PRIDE AND PREJUDICE of sorts. Or rather, a ‘Kate Middleton and Danny DeVito‘ of pairings. Two thirty-somethings caught in their causes, find what they lack in an unlikely courtship.
Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) is a playful yet disorderly shock journalist with a penchant for teal windbreakers, recreational drugs and getting himself into trouble. His former babysitter, Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron) is a beautiful and powerful Secretary of State with Presidential aspirations. She is a self-restrained public servant in dire need of a nap.
We find the characters living single in Washington D.C. as the Nation’s leader (an underutilized Bob Odenkirk) prepares to leave office and return to (laughable) acting. Reeling from his recent unemployment, Fred and his best friend, Lance, (a jovial O’Shea Jackson Jr.) find themselves at an elite house party. Hosting a collection of powerful political and business leaders. In attendance is Fred’s childhood crush, Charlotte. A quick reunion rekindles Fred’s teenage adoration for Charlotte. They discover a mutual disdain for the corrupt business tycoon, Parker Wembley (a cleverly disguised Andy Serkis). The evening leaves Charlotte charmed by her former neighbor’s aggressive, yet likable, justice defending attitude.
Fred is presented with an opportunity he can’t renounce, a chance to make real social improvements. Contingent on helping secure his adolescent crush, Charlotte, a position as the first woman President. Humor-infused speech writing come easily to Fred, but what he lacks is an ability to compromise and play politics. A trait he despises but a game that the woman he loves begrudgingly plays.
Affections rise as Charlotte’s political operation advances. Cozy late night campaign meetings lead to a love reciprocated, but the secret romance soon finds itself in trouble. Fred’s relaxed and sophomoric demeanor might damage Charlotte’s perceived credibility. A dilemma arises for the new couple. Change Fred’s public image, more so his identity, or perhaps lose everything Charlotte has been working towards. Thus, establishing the major conflict of the story, should one change their character for love and success?
Director, Jonathan Levine, spends the majority of the predictable, but fun, 125-minute running time concerned with the fate of the blooming romance between Fred and Charlotte. A wise direction, considering Rogen and Theron’s delightful chemistry is the best part of the movie. Charlize Theron once again proves she’s an incredible actress. Turning a role that could easily be stale in the hands of a lesser actress into a warm charismatic leading lady. A quick-witted Seth Rogen keeps the story entertaining and at moments, hilarious.
LONG SHOT is not without its tonal inconsistencies, underdeveloped characters, and throwaway conflicts; but the movie is greater than the sum of its parts. Crude subject matter peppered throughout the story feels unnecessary and trivial to this generally charming love story. A toned down PG-13 rewrite would seem more fitting for this, dare I say, sweet, romantic comedy. But in all, the film is enjoyable and endlessly amusing. Take a favorable chance and see the entertaining LONG SHOT when it hits theaters May 3rd.
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