Working Together
The Long Shot
Review by Ross Anthony

On the surface, "The Long Shot" looks like a political potboiler, however (probably, no surprise) the film is really more of a romantic comedy – a very good romantic comedy. Sure, there are some echoes from Seth Rogen's "Knocked Up" (also a very funny film) and even "Kate and Leopold" (Ryan/Jackman), but Long Shot stands up strong on its own, packs a lot of laughs, choked me up a time or two, and dared to broach socially important themes.

The film impresses with multiple rich character relationships and interactions that are always either funny, sincere, deep, charged, or a potent combination. Add to that, a wonderful interplay demonstrating that Republicans and Democrats are people first – and it's far more natural for them to care for each other than avoid/hate/assume the worst. This message is so sorely needed in this time where we seem far too fast to demonize those with differing political groups.

I'm not crazy about the drug references, and the film is not above being crude – but thankfully, it's all very funny anyway. Beefing up the political angle (which at times feels like a mere prop for the romcom) might push the film into the A+ range for me. Nonetheless, it's still a strong A.

-- Books by Author/Illustrator Ross Anthony --


  • The Long Shot. Copyright © 2019.
  • Starring Charlize Theron, Seth Rogen, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Andy Serkis, June Diane Raphael, Bob Odenkirk. Directed by Jonathan Levine. Summit Entertainment.

Grade..........................A (3.5/4)


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Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Sunday, 12-May-2019 10:48:27 PDT