50/50 Director Jonathan Levine dropped the mic at SXSW 2019 when he brought his recent film Long Shot to the festival. Long Shot stars Seth Rogen, Charlize Theron, and O’Shea Jackson. In the film, Rogen plays Fred Flarsky, who is a journalist who has a knack for getting into trouble. Charlize’s character, Charlotte Field is the Secretary of State and one of the most influential women in the world. When Charlotte decides to make a run for the presidency, she impulsively hires Fred as her speechwriter — much to the dismay of her trusted advisers.
This is a romantic-comedy no-doubt, however, it wouldn’t be a Seth Rogen film without some raunchy humor mixed in, which actually worked quite well with the film and was not overly done. Seth and Charlize’s chemistry is great! It’s really apparent the moment they are together on-screen. Regardless of what one may think as someone looking from the outside-in, or as the film jokes, “her with him?!”, the moment you see these two together, all doubts fly out the window. The entire premise for this film involves the relationship between these two, and after seeing this film, it’s actually pretty believable. I couldn’t think of a better combo than Charlize and Seth.
Charlize, who hasn’t really been known for her comedy, really shines and is able to hold her own against Seth Rogen and Co. Meanwhile, Seth Rogen shined the most when he was playing the straight man, or the serious one in the film, which often times made him relatable. It showed another side to Seth we don’t see as often as I feel like should. In fact, not to give too much away, but one of my favorite moments of the film, was the discussion with Rogen and his honest take on being a Democrat or Republican. Both actors are great in this film honestly, I could see them working together in future projects as well.
O’Shea plays Seth Rogen’s best friend, Lance, and acts as the comedic relief. O’Shea is someone I’ve followed since his performance in both Ingrid Goes West, and Straight Outta Compton, in which both performances arguably stole the show. In this film, he continues to shine as his character delivers some of the best lines in the film.
Bob Odenkirk hilariously plays an actor turned inept President, who wishes to step down from the presidency. Andy Serkis plays the antagonist in the film, who plays a media mogul in the film. It actually took me a moment to recognize it was even him. This is clearly a film that pokes fun at the current political environment, a well-timed one too, making fun of the current White House administration as well as certain news sources. And without spelling it out for you, Both Odenkirk, and Serkis’s characters, although fictional, could very well be compared to some political figures today. For me, this actually enhanced the watching experience as there was a few parallel’s that should be considered ridiculous, however considering our current climate, it’s very well possible.
This film has everything from heart, comedy, love and dick jokes. Its hilarious, it’s heartwarming, If you are looking for a feel good-comedy film, or want to laugh your ass off, I recommend giving Long Shot a watch when it hits theaters on May 3rd.