Episode 734 - Long Shot (2019)

Hi everyone!

It’s Tuesday, and today we’re welcoming back One Movie Spouse to the podcast, with a review of a film she’s been wanting to see for a very long time. In many ways, the film reminds me of how she and I first met, and how unlikely we seemed to so many people. Of course, I wasn’t able to watch it with her, so I’ll just have to assume that everything works out fine. For a few other recent reviews from One Movie Spouse, check out MISS AMERICANA (Episode #725), BOMBSHELL (Episode #701), and LITTLE WOMEN (Episode #673).

Before the review, we’ll have a promo from our good friends at the How I Met Your Friends podcast. Every episode, Julie and Kathleen examine one episode of each hit sitcom, exploring the hidden connections and easter eggs within each episode. Don’t miss their recent guest review for CATS (Episode #699), along with the reason they got stuck with the review. You can find them on Twitter @himyfriendspod, and on Facebook and Instagram @howimetyourfriendspod.

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Here we go!

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<< HOW I MET YOUR FRIENDS THROW PROMO >>

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Hello!

It’s me Amy, AKA One Movie Spouse, back for another review.

MWAH!

A week-long break from school has me catching up on films I've been dying to see! Today’s film features two of my favorite actors, Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron. Listen to my review, then catch me on Twitter @OneMovieSpouse to keep the conversation going.

Here we go!

Today’s movie is LONG SHOT (2019), directed by Jonathan Levine and written for the screen by Dan Sterling and Liz Hannah, based on a story by Dan Sterling. The film follows the unlikely relationship between two old neighbors: a shlubby journalist named Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) and a high-powered diplomat Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron). This comedy is about politics, social status, compromise, and above all else, trusting your heart *and* your gut.

No spoilers!

LONG SHOT is both a political comedy and a romantic comedy rolled into one. The film opens to Fred as a passionate and unapologetic journalist, reporting on issues that matter to the world, when his newspaper is bought out by a large media conglomerate. Highly relevant to real-life today! Fred sees himself as a voice for the voiceless. We turn then, like most romcoms, to introducing the highly influential Charlotte, who never stops working. They couldn’t be any more different, and are living in two different social spheres, when an unexpected event brings them together. I enjoy both of these actors very much and was pleased from the very beginning of the film. They make their somewhat cliché opposites attract story seem believable and enjoyable!

In addition to a fun love story, LONG SHOT also tackles some highly relevant issues today. Fred, as a journalist, is highly passionate about the environment, which Charlotte also shares, but while Fred is an idealist, Charlotte is a realist. Throughout the film, compromise is a key theme. Compromise (right or wrong) happens all the time as deals are negotiated and evolve. Compromises are also often disappointing and highly frustrating. Charlotte is under immense pressure as a diplomat to negotiate a compromise, which challenges Fred’s idealism. Charlotte and Fred’s relationship becomes a small mirror examining international relationships and our own decisions and compromises.

This film also had an excellent supporting cast adding to the richness of their story. Lance (O’Shea Jackson, Jr.) is Fred’s best friend, who wants nothing more than to see his bro succeed and be happy in life! His presence throughout the film is reassuring, and made you feel like you were one of their friends. Maggie Millikin (June Diane Raphael) does an excellent job in her role as a personal assistant to Charlotte, giving just the right amount of tension and skepticism toward Fred as he re-enters Charlotte’s life. If you’ve watched any political comedies or dramas, such as “Veep” or “Scandal”, you know there are NO secrets allowed for those who serve the public.

LONG SHOT generally keeps a nice balance between political and romantic comedy, but about two-thirds into the film, an event occurs where drama overtakes the comedy very abruptly. I am ok with it, but it was jarring upon initial viewing, and a little off-tone. After that, though, my sappy side took over and just wanted them to be genuinely happy!

LONG SHOT is a political and romantic comedy, about status, compromise, and trust. Like me, I hope you find yourself cheering for an elite woman and an ordinary man against all odds. Fans of Seth Rogen, Charlize Theron, and “underdog” films should really enjoy this film! Keep an eye on that R-rating, though, if you plan on watching with teenagers, to avoid some potentially uncomfortable moments.

Rotten Tomatoes: 81% (CERTIFIED FRESH)

Metacritic: 67 

One Movie Punch: 8.0/10

LONG SHOT (2019) is rated R and is currently playing on HBO and DIRECTV.