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 --
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