I have two stories about this movie. One was that when I read about it a few months ago, it was called Flarsky (in reference to Seth Rogen's character). Long Shot is frankly a better title. Anyway, I watched this film after a class on Monday. I went to the bathroom in the other building, and saw they were having a free screening on campus in 13 minutes. Given I had nothing else to do, I went to watch it. What did I think?
Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) is a journalist at an online outlet known for his progressive stances and aggressive demeanor. However, when right-wing mogul Parker Whembley (Andy Serkis) buys out his employer, Flarsky angrily quits. His pal Lance (O'Shea Jackson Jr. Ice-T's son, btw) decides to take him to a high class party where Boyz II Men are playing. Also at this party is US Secretary of State Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron), who is running for president on a specific environmental agenda. Flarsky has a particular connection to Field, as the latter was Flarsky's babysitter, and there was an awkward incident between the two (watch the film, I won't describe it). Field, against the advice of her staffer Maggie Millikin (June Diane Raphael) decides to hire Flarsky as a speechwriter for her campaign. So begins a gradual journey as the two navigate politics and romance.
The thing that most stood out to me was the chemistry between Theron and Rogen. The two manage to be both convincing and charming as the main couple in this romantic comedy, and their relationship and how it develops helps really anchor this film. Along with the main two leads, the side performances are also enjoyable, particularly Serkis, Raphael, Bob Odenkirk (possibly playing himself as President of the US), and Ravi Patel as Field's other staffer. I do like there is something of an actual political message in this film, as opposed to just using politics as basically a hook. There is a recurring conflict in the film between Flarsky uncompromising idealism and Field's more pragmatic politicking, and it does play into the romantic comedy plot of the film. Finally, I appreciate that this film had a style and flair to it. A lot of comedies today rely heavily on improvising (a lot of Seth Rogen films, too), and not having a more stylized look or feel to them. I appreciated that there was a style to this. Finally, it's funny. I laughed pretty consistently throughout the film, and I laughed hard at the jokes.
This follows the beats of a romantic comedy pretty dogmatically. It is really easy to see where the plot is going and how the journeys will lead. This isn't too much of a problem, but maybe a little bit more of a surprise might've helped keep the film more interesting and provocative, which is what they are likely aiming for. The ending was a bit too neat, and simultaneously with not much actual resolution. A bit more of a tie-up with the other characters might've worked.
I enjoyed this movie. I laughed consistently. That makes it a general recommendation in my book. If you like comedies or political comedies, this is one of the better examples of it, and it uses politics as a sub-message than just a setting for a romantic comedy. That said, it's probably one I won't revisit in the future, so bare in mind that it is mostly just entertainment.
Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) is a journalist at an online outlet known for his progressive stances and aggressive demeanor. However, when right-wing mogul Parker Whembley (Andy Serkis) buys out his employer, Flarsky angrily quits. His pal Lance (O'Shea Jackson Jr. Ice-T's son, btw) decides to take him to a high class party where Boyz II Men are playing. Also at this party is US Secretary of State Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron), who is running for president on a specific environmental agenda. Flarsky has a particular connection to Field, as the latter was Flarsky's babysitter, and there was an awkward incident between the two (watch the film, I won't describe it). Field, against the advice of her staffer Maggie Millikin (June Diane Raphael) decides to hire Flarsky as a speechwriter for her campaign. So begins a gradual journey as the two navigate politics and romance.
The thing that most stood out to me was the chemistry between Theron and Rogen. The two manage to be both convincing and charming as the main couple in this romantic comedy, and their relationship and how it develops helps really anchor this film. Along with the main two leads, the side performances are also enjoyable, particularly Serkis, Raphael, Bob Odenkirk (possibly playing himself as President of the US), and Ravi Patel as Field's other staffer. I do like there is something of an actual political message in this film, as opposed to just using politics as basically a hook. There is a recurring conflict in the film between Flarsky uncompromising idealism and Field's more pragmatic politicking, and it does play into the romantic comedy plot of the film. Finally, I appreciate that this film had a style and flair to it. A lot of comedies today rely heavily on improvising (a lot of Seth Rogen films, too), and not having a more stylized look or feel to them. I appreciated that there was a style to this. Finally, it's funny. I laughed pretty consistently throughout the film, and I laughed hard at the jokes.
This follows the beats of a romantic comedy pretty dogmatically. It is really easy to see where the plot is going and how the journeys will lead. This isn't too much of a problem, but maybe a little bit more of a surprise might've helped keep the film more interesting and provocative, which is what they are likely aiming for. The ending was a bit too neat, and simultaneously with not much actual resolution. A bit more of a tie-up with the other characters might've worked.
I enjoyed this movie. I laughed consistently. That makes it a general recommendation in my book. If you like comedies or political comedies, this is one of the better examples of it, and it uses politics as a sub-message than just a setting for a romantic comedy. That said, it's probably one I won't revisit in the future, so bare in mind that it is mostly just entertainment.
