Long Shot: Love & Politics

There’s been a lot of hype about what a great movie Long Shot is, particularly since we haven’t been treated to a good romcom in ages (in theaters - Netflix is a different story). I went in with somewhat high expectations and while I didn’t think it was the greatest romcom ever (that title will forever belong to While You Were Sleeping), in the words of my friend Katie, "it was cute". So if you feel the need to get out of your house, this movie would be a perfectly entertaining way to spend two hours.

The plot centers around the US Secretary of State, Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron), who is announcing her bid to run for President and needs a writer to punch up her speeches so she can come off as more humorous to the electorate. She reconnects with Fred (Seth Rogen) at a party - she used to babysit him when she was in high school and he was an awkward teen, and as they reminisce, she discovers he's a journalist who might be just the kind of speechwriter she needs. Going with her gut, she offers him the job and they're off. Speeches and shenanigans ensue.

The two leads are wonderful, particularly Theron, who commands the screen in every scene she's in and makes it very clear why Charlotte has ascended to one of the highest political offices in the land. At the same time, she easily showcases this character's vulnerable side - yes, she is comfortable walking diplomatic tightropes all day long and serving as the architect of a historic environmental treaty, but she also desperately feels the need to unwind. That's where Seth Rogen comes in, who is perfectly sweet and affable, and charming in his Rogen-esque way. The romance doesn't feel forced in any way - these two have excellent repartee and a particular moment when they dance to Roxette was all I needed to holler for them to declare their love before all the land. But of course, when you're running for President, things aren't that simple.

The supporting characters are also great, particularly June Diane Raphael as Charlotte's key staffer, Maggie. She always pops up in TV cameos or web series like the phenomenal Bachelor spoof, Burning Love, so it was a treat to see her enact her comedy chops on the big screen. Alexander Skarsgard subverts his usual suave style in a ridiculous turn as the hot Canadian Prime Minister, while Bob Odenkirk plays the President with a hilarious backstory that may hit a bit too close to home for our Ukrainian friends. However, being a Rogen-produced comedy, this movie does get a bit baggy in places. There are story arcs and political commentary that feel a bit contrived and unnecessary and the movie could have done with some more judicious editing. However, it does feature a singularly sublime soundtrack, which always wins my favor when I'm on the fence about any film.

Long Shot is a fun film, filled with jokes and romance, and is a worthy entry into the romcom canon. It isn't the best example of the genre, but it is by no means the worst, and it is certainly elevated by a pitch-perfect performance from Charlize Theron who makes this an ode to powerful women everywhere who are trying to get through the business of life. It comes at an interesting time in our current political climate, so you may have feelings depending on your political leanings, but if you put that stuff aside, it's a heartening romance that will leave you humming It Must Have Been Love for a distractingly long time.