There has been a lot of talk in recent years about the death of the Romantic Comedy in the current movie world. We’re a long way from the Julia Roberts-Hugh Grant era, and pretty far from even the Apatow era of R rated rom coms. 2018 though there was a resurgence and Netflix had their “Summer of Love” and then Crazy Rich Asians came out and blew the doors off the box office. 2019 has been a mixed bag so far with Isn’t it Romantic and What Men Want but Longshot had Seth Rogen being directed by frequent collaborator Jonathan Levine, so I was excited. This movie did not disappoint at all! This Political Rom Com is the hardest I have laughed in a theatre in a long time and balanced the comedy and sappy moments very well.

Long Shot is about The Secretary of State Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron) who decides to run for President, but she needs a way to connect better on a human level with voters. In comes Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) who is an anti establishment writer who can help her bring some humor in her speeches. They also grew up next to each other but have not seen one another for 20 years (but that is another story).

Jonathan Levine actually has some great direction and camera work in this movie and seemed to get the best out of the entire supporting cast.  Actors like Paul Sheer, Bob Odenkirk, June Diane Raphael, and O’Shea Jackson Jr. all are at their best here and round out a really fun ensemble.

Stock Watch

Stock Up – Charlize Theron is easily one of the beautiful women in the world. She has this aura about her that is just hard to recreate. Looking through her resume you will notice the Oscar winner had never done a rom com before this, which was a bit surprising. Throughout this movie though she straddles the professionalism with the comedy very well, and makes you believe a woman like her would fall for someone like Fred Flarsky.

Stock Neutral – Seth Rogen just does what he does and that is why we love him. He is clumsy, kind, and extremely funny (oh and did you know he smokes weed, shocking). He does have really good chemistry with Theron, and I am happy that he knows where his wheelhouse is and really is good at finding the sweet spot.

Stock Up – O’Shea Jackson Jr. aka Ice Cube Jr. was incredible as Fred’s best friend. Every single line he spoke was hilarious and made me think he can do more than just play his dad.

*A couple other tidbits

• Ravi Patel and June Diane Raphael were fantastic as Charlotte’s aides. They played their roles to perfection and I hope to see both a lot more in the future.
• I wont spoil his role but Andy Serkis…LOL
• I wish they did more with Bob Odenkirk playing the President.
• Alexander Skarsgard as the Canadian Prime Minister gave me quite the chuckle as well.

I love Rom Com’s and I truly think there is a place at the theater for this genre. Comic book movies and other franchises are great but I love the idea of just going to the movie with your significant other and just enjoying a fun and heartwarming film. Thank you Jonathan Levine and the rest of creators of this, I heartily enjoyed myself.

Juice Rating:

 

*All of my movie ratings can be found here.