March 28, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

“Long Shot”: The Perfect Date Night Film

Film Review
“Long Shot”
Rated R
125 Minutes
Released May 3rd

“Long Shot” is a classic Rom-Com. It’s a refreshing film viewing detour in the age of mindboggling comic book adventures and otherworldly epics. The movie is also an excellent commentary on the tendency to lose one’s moral compass to the art of posing, and to become a crowd-driven image of that you believe others want to see, i.e. social media and politics. The characters not so loosely mirror dignitaries and public figures in the headlines today, with direct and veiled parallels.

Charlize Theron gives an excellent performance as Secretary of State Charlotte Fields, who has assumed an elegant yet distant persona as she makes the decision to run for president of the United States. Charlotte has the commanding posture of Selina Meyer in TV’s Veep at first, with some added regal qualities, though she does not employ Selina’s constant venomous commentary. Enter journalist Fred Flarsky, played with self-effacing sincerity by Seth Rogen. Fred has zero ambition toward greatness and seems to own only a couple of sweatshirts and a pair of jeans. However he stays true to himself at all costs, and this begins to rub off on Charlotte as an unlikely romance plays out – hence the title of the movie, which applies both to the romance and to Charlotte’s campaign to be this country’s first woman president.

Will Charlotte have the courage to champion her true ideals for the world’s future rather than lose them to a thirst for celebrity, power and money? Can she preserve her respect for the people of her country and for the wellbeing of our planet? At first she waivers in the face of political pressure. However Fred keeps her on message. This attraction of personality opposites becomes a positive relationship for the candidate – and it’s heartening to see a political figure that listens.

The always-excellent Alexander Skarsgard is hilarious as the Canadian Prime Minister. To me the highlight of the movie is a wonderful well-written scene that shows Theron’s comedic skill, when her character, the Secretary of State, in a compromised mental state and missing all sense of inhibition, takes the reins and talks down an angry, antagonistic world leader about a hostage he is holding. Her unexpected candor takes him by surprise, eroding his histrionics, and she reaches his sense of humanity.

Related Posts

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...

Animal Rights Groups Demand an End to Turtle Racing at Brennan’s Pub

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Organization Says Its Tried to Contact the Westside Bar for Months By Zach Armstrong Among its numerous entertainment events...

SMC Unveils Spring 2024 Issue of Acclaimed Literary Journal, Author Readings Coming in April

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024

The Issue Presents a Mix of New, Returning, and Debut Writers, Reflecting Diversity and Enduring Relationships Santa Monica College announced...