Hello fellow movie goers from around the world. Today’s review centers around a journalist named Fred, who reunites with his former baby sitter, Charlotte, now running a campaign for U.S. President. She hires him as her speechwriter. As time progresses, hilarity ensues. The plot I’m referring to is none other than “Long Shot.”
Long Shot was released a week after “Avengers: Endgame.” It received positive reviews from critics and movie goers alike. In addition to positive reception, the film was an average box office success, due to Avengers: Endgame becoming the highest grossing film of all time surpassing James Cameron’s “Avatar.”
Now that “The Lion King” is out with Seth Rogen co-starring as Pumba, I want to share my thoughts if Long Shot is a decent movie as most critics all claim it is. One more thing, Charlize Theron is voicing Mortica Addams in the upcoming animated version The Addams Family” coming out this October.
Today’s review does contain SPOILERS. If you have not seen Long Shot, read at your very own risk.
Long & Short Qualities
Long: Seth Rogen & Charlize Theron both did a good job for their respective performances. They also served as producers of the film.
Seth’s longtime collaborator/childhood friend, Evan Goldberg also served as a producer of the film.
Other Cast Members such as O’Shea Jackson Jr. (Ice Cube’s son) Andy Serks, Alexander Skarsgård & Bob Odenkirk all did a solid job for their respective performances.
Chemistry between Seth & Charlize’s characters Fred & Charlotte felt normal.
Some of the jokes were funny. My favorite part is when Fred yells, “Oh boy!” I don’t wanna tell you, it sounds pretty disgusting.
Once again, Seth plays a “weedhead.” Seth is real life stoner known for smoking pot with his buddies.
The movie did a jab at “The Powerpuff Girls” when Fred calls a guy “Blossom.” Blossom is the redhead leader of The Powerpuff Girls.
The moral of the story is about being honest. Not lying on national television. Something Donald Trump & Hilary Clinton lack is to be honest like Abe Lincoln.
Fred pokes fun at television actors becoming movie stars. Seth was a cast member on Judd Apatow’s “Freaks And Geeks” prior to making it big in films such as “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” “Knocked Up” & “Pineapple Express.” Gotta love self deprecation.
Fred’s childhood flashback is funny as heck.
Marvel & DC are referenced. “Captain Marvel,” Avengers: Endgame,” “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” “Shazam,” & the upcoming “Joker” are linked to 2019 films. Andy Serkis was also in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU for short) as Ulysses Klaue in “Avengers: Age Of Ultron” & “Black Panther.”
Todd MacFarlane (creator of Spawn) drew a portrait of Fred. Spawn will be a guest fighter in “Mortal Kombat 11.” I’m still waiting on Todd’s upcoming film with Jamie Foxx as the title character. Please Todd don’t screw it up!
Boys II Men & Yil Yachty make cameo appearances.
Short: Jonathan Levine failed to double check the screenplay. He also did a poor job maintaining full responsibility as a director.
Cinematography suffers from a bad case of Shaky Cam. Who’s in charge of filming, Hammy The Squirrel from “Over The Hedge?”
Charlotte gives away a “Game Of Thrones” spoiler about a dragon’s fate. That made me mad, because I haven’t got a chance to get caught up. I’m Tripling Down Points for giving away this huge plot point! Damn you Seth & Charlize! It’s like “50 First Dates” all over again! Here’s a true story, I’ve never seen “The Sixth Sense” back when I was a kid, Adam Sandler’s film gave away the plot twist. I’ll never forgive him! I’m not up to date on Game Of Thrones since Season 5, because I have a busy schedule.
A “we are through” cliche occurred. Every time this cliche pops up in most rom-coms & buddy cop films, it feels predictable. You know two people or more are gonna make amends, put aside their differences and then get back together.
Product Placement featuring brands such as Coca-Cola, Doritos, Sony, Ritz, Pepsi, Apple, Miller Lite, Nike, LG TV, Evian Water, Aquafina, Dell & Adidas. OH MY GOODNESS! Who’s in charge of sponsorship Michael Bay?!
The Final Verdict: D, FOR DUNCE!
In my opinion, Long Shot is an idiotic yet predictable rom-com. It failed to give me a decent narrative as a result of giving away a Game Of Thrones spoiler, a cliche getting back together plot point, poor cinematography & way too much product placement as if Michael Bay is doing a “whore-off” with Adam Sandler to see who becomes a bonafide sellout. If I were you, I’d skip this in favor of watching Euphoria’s first season. That’ll keep you invested for eight hours worth entertainment value. I also wrote a non-spoiler review for Euphoria. You can go ahead and check it out.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 