Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen certainly make for an unlikely pair, which is something the slogan for LONG SHOT freely admits: "Unlikely, but not impossible." That said, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the recent red-band trailer for the upcoming Jonathan Levine film, which builds up the romance more than the filthy bits. The film finds Rogen starring as Fred Flarsky, a free-spirited journalist who reconnects with Charlotte (Theron), his former babysitter and childhood crush who is now the Secretary of State of the United States and future presidential candidate. LONG SHOT recently premiered at SXSW where it received quite the positive reception, with many critics singling out Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron comedic and romantic chemistry for praise.
The official synopsis for LONG SHOT:
Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) is a gifted and free-spirited journalist with an affinity for trouble. Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron) is one of the most influential women in the world. Smart, sophisticated, and accomplished, she’s a powerhouse diplomat with a talent for…well, mostly everything. The two have nothing in common, except that she was his babysitter and childhood crush. When Fred unexpectedly reconnects with Charlotte, he charms her with his self-deprecating humor and his memories of her youthful idealism. As she prepares to make a run for the Presidency, Charlotte hires Fred as her speechwriter, much to the dismay of her trusted advisors. A fish out of water on Charlotte’s elite team, Fred is unprepared for her glamourous lifestyle in the limelight. However, sparks fly as their unmistakable chemistry leads to a round-the-world romance and a series of unexpected and dangerous incidents.
LONG SHOT is set for a May 3, 2019 release.