In order to produce a successful, crowd-pleasing romcom, there are a couple of factors that play a vital role in determining the success rates of the film: an amiable cast and an explosively comedic script. Jonathan Levine’s new hit Long Shot nails both of these factors on the head and succeeds in the creation of a hilariously romantic Hollywood film.

In an unlikely series of events, the frumpy and recently unemployed Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) finds himself working under the authority of hard-headed Secretary of State Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron), who just so happens to have spent many nights babysitting Flarsky throughout the years of their youth. After years of being in love with his babysitter, Flarsky now finds himself tied back into the course of his boyhood crush, but this time, a much more adult-rated version. 

Written by Dan Sterling and Liz Hannah, Long Shot is full of scenes that make you laugh until your breath is short and face hot to the touch. The explosively funny lines are harmoniously paired with the charming duo of Rogen and Theron who are only able to positively enhance the script they were given to portray. The differing personality traits each character beholds truly live up to the theory of opposite attraction; their love is unexpected and shunned by many, but the qualities they are able to bring to the surface of one another make it impossible for the two to not create an enchanting romance that is loved by the audience. 

Although the film mostly centers itself around the romantic and comedic aspects of the plot, Long Shot is also able to handle a political edge throughout its scenes. Much of the film’s commentary focuses on females with high-authority roles in the government. The actions and lines portrayed by Theron deal specifically with the need of women to change their personalities in order to achieve success and build a strong group of supporters to stand behind their name. But the political edge featured in Long Shot certainly does not stand a chance to out do the strong forces of the lead duo, and by the end of the film, it is hard to even find any scraps of this subplot scattered throughout the scenes. 

In the romcoms produced in recent years, the directors have rested the weight of the film on the backs of the lead characters. With mediocre characters, this strategy can prove to create a disaster of a film that lacks all of the key factors of a traditional romantic comedy. But by casting the outstanding Charlize Theron, Long Shot only ends up becoming a lovable, crowd-pleaser. 

Not many actors are able to show emotions ranging from the rage in Mad Max: Fury Road to the free spirit in Long Shot, but Theron does so with ease. Her glamour and prestige point out the frisky and unexpected rebellious characteristics of her personality in a way that makes each scene more and more exciting to watch. The element of surprise her character is able to provide the movie will truly leave viewers on their toes until the film draws to a close. 

Just as Flarsky and Field are able to do, viewers will easily find themselves falling in love with Long Shot. Its incredible cast, roaring script, and engaging subplots make for a film that you will want to watch countless times over again.