You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. This particular
shot comes from way downtown and hits nothing but net. “Long Shot” tells the
story of a highly opinionated journalist named Fred (played by everybody’s
favorite stoner Seth Rogen) who remains loyal to his set of morals, even, at
times, to his own detriment and that of his bank account. Upon hearing that the
company he writes for has been bought out by a business tycoon that stands
against everything he believes in, Fred walks out on his job and turns to his
childhood friend Lance (played by the up-and-coming O’Shea Jackson Jr.) for
comfort and advice. The hilarity that ensues is nothing short of epic.
Together, Fred and Lance take the city by storm, doing all
they can to help distract them from Fred’s current situation. The audience is
treated to a series of laughs as we get to witness a genuine chemistry between
the two lifelong friends. Their day of adventures is punctuated by attending
a party that boasts a guest list full of influential people. Chief among said
guests is Charlotte Field, a powerful politician played by the incredibly talented Charlize
Theron. While Charlotte lives in the eyes of so many as a larger-than-life figure,
Fred actually knows her from back when she was running for class president of
her high school class. The two of them reconnect and set off an improbable
roller coaster ride of events fully equipped with highs and lows through and
through.
This film is an absolute riot. The laughs are seemingly
endless and although there are hints of slapstick comedy throughout, many of
the jokes are surprisingly well developed. The entire cast is completely
hysterical. One of Charlotte’s advisors Tom (played by Ravi Patel), does not have too
many lines; but, the ones he does deliver are done so with such precision and
enthusiasm that I began to laugh as soon as the camera panned to him out of
habit. Also, the film’s POTUS is played by Bob Odenkirk, aka everybody’s
favorite crooked lawyer Saul Goodman from “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call
Saul.” President Chambers is a character that can and will be viewed by some as
a commentary on Donald Trump and is the prototypical character we LOVE to hate.
Then, there’s O’Shea Jackson Jr. who diversifies his acting profile by getting
on screen with some real time heavy hitters and MORE than holds his own.
The running time here is almost two hours long, which makes how funny it
is throughout even that much more impressive. And, while this isn’t necessarily
a film you have to see in theaters to fully appreciate, this is also NOT one
you’re going to want to wait until it releases on DVD to go see. Long Shot
tells a rather improbable story; but, the fact that it is an unlikely story
doesn’t detract from the spirit and life brought to it by the script and
actors. The story is comprised of highly unlikely scenarios, all of which nevertheless
retain a sense of realism because they still could have happened. Culturally
aware, socially relevant, and boasting a cast that works incredibly well
together on camera, Long Shot gets a full 5 reps out of 5 from this
moviegoer. I will certainly be watching it multiple times and fully expect it
to spread laughter to most who go out and do the same.
Is Long Shot on your list of movies to watch? Feel free (and highly encouraged) to share your thoughts in the comments section and share this website with your movie crew. Maybe I'll see you on one of my next movie trips! And, as always, please remember- all of my posts are SPOILERS FREE! Don't be afraid to read and comment BEFORE deciding what movie to go watch (and then come back and do so AFTER watching the movie as well). ;-)
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