There's nothing like discovering a hidden gem on streaming sites, and Amazon Prime might be hiding one of the best romcoms of recent years with Long Shot. So, if you're sweltering in the heatwave and need a distraction, scroll down to find out all you need to know…
The hilarious feel-good film is currently available to stream on the platform following its initial 2019 release. With its initial release window seeing it competing with the superhero blockbusters of the time, it was easy to miss Long Shot at the time.
The film follows Charlize Theron as a candidate vying to be the first female President of the United States as she reunites with Fred Flarsky, played by Seth Rogen, an unemployed journalist who she used to babysit.
The synopsis for the romcom reads: "Fred Flarsky is a gifted and free-spirited journalist who has a knack for getting into trouble. Charlotte Field is one of the most influential women in the world -- a smart, sophisticated and accomplished politician.
"When Fred unexpectedly runs into Charlotte, he soon realizes that she was his former babysitter and childhood crush. When Charlotte decides to make a run for the presidency, she impulsively hires Fred as her speechwriter -- much to the dismay of her trusted advisers."
Who stars in Long Shot?
As we mentioned, Long Shot is led by Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen. Charlize is known for her roles in the likes of The Italian Job, Monster, Mad Max: Fury Road and recent Netflix thriller Apex. Meanwhile, Seth is known for his comedy roles with the likes of The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Superbad and This Is The End.
© Alamy Stock PhotoAlso starring in the film are O'Shea Jackson Jr. (Swagger), Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings), June Diane Raphael (Unfinished Business), Ravi Patel (Animal Control), Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul) and Alexander Skarsgard (Succession).
What did fans make of Long Shot?
Even though Long Shot might have passed you by upon its initial release, it was loved by fans and critics. One viewer enthused: "A must watch, a treat altogether. Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen, actors way too different in their acting has really made their roles entertaining. Comic timings of Seth as always is perfect, and Charlize has performed equally well."
A second added: "Smart, goofy and super entertaining. Seth and Charlize have a great chemistry and everyone else is on-point too. I strongly recommend that you push play on this laugh-out-loud yet intelligent rom-com," while a third posted: "This is a story for the ages and one that I hope will play on and on. Can't believe they were able to pull off this in a rom com."
© Alamy Stock PhotoA fourth commented: "I actually downloaded this movie, but avoided it for a long time, thinking it would be awful. It is the best movie I've seen in a very long time. This is a love story of the strangest, and most authentic calibre."
In a four-star review for The Guardian, Kirsty Puchko opined: "With a giddy irreverence and a cavalcade of stupendous comedic performers, Long Shot is outrageously funny. The romance works because Rogen and Theron share an easy chemistry, yet the movie never loses sight of how out of his league Flarsky seems."
