Film Review: Long Shot

Director Jonathan Levine’s Long Shot is a comedy-drama that never fully convinces. Despite a good start, the film fails to satisfy completely.

A chance encounter reunites Fred, a recently unemployed journalist, and Charlotte, Secretary of State and in the running to be the next President. Charlotte hires Fred as a speechwriter, while he still has feelings for his former babysitter…

Directed by Jonathan Levine (who previously worked with Seth Rogen on The Night Before and 50/50), Long Shot is written by Dan Sterling and Liz Hannah. The premise offers enough to keep viewers engaged. An odd couple pairing with a political backdrop, the film has promise. Unfortunately the direction which the film takes is a little disappointing.

Long Shot works best when it is buoyant and when it is satirical. When the film veers into romcom territory the wheels come off a little. The romance is never compelling when it plays out, although the chemistry between the two leads before this is good. The more serious tone does not sit as well as the first half of the film. Long Shot makes a few well targeted jabs, yet does not take aim at some obvious targets. The result is a little lukewarm; the film prefers to straddle the middle ground, politically speaking.

The emotional aspect of the final quarter of the film does not give the pay off Levine may have hoped. There is not really a sense that Fred is deserving of the risk Charlotte takes to be with him. He is a rather one-dimensional character; the type we have seen Rogen play before. The climax of the film is rather schmaltzy, a sharp departure from the film’s amusing opening. 

Charlize Theron is wonderful in the film. She is great in the film’s comedic moments, and does well to generate chemistry with Rogen. O’Shea Jackson Jr. and Bob Odenkirk stand out among the supporting actors. The film’s soundtrack is most appealing.

Long Shot offers some great moments of levity, but the romance is fails to capture the imagination.

Long Shot is out on Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD from 9th September 2019.

Previews: Pet Sematary Clip, Long Shot, More!

Plenty of film-related goodness in this preview of coming attractions, including a new Pet Sematary clip, Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood, Thunder Road and more…

Pet Sematary Clip

Here is a new Pet Sematary clip. The upcoming film is an adaption of the Stephen King novel, which was previously brought to the silver screen in 1989. This new adaptation stars Jason Clarke and Amy Seimetz who relocate to rural Maine with their young children. Pet Sematary hits the big screen on 4th April 2019.

Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood Poster

Here is the brand new poster for Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood. The film is set in 1969, and focuses on a television star and his stunt double around the time of the Manson murders. The film features an enviable ensemble cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and Al Pacino. One Upon a Time in… Hollywood is set for release on 14th August 2019.

Thunder Road Trailer

Thunder Road, which has been a critical hit at festivals so far, gets a UK release. The film is written and directed by and stars Jim Cummings. Thunder Road is a dark comedy about a police officer who suffers a breakdown following his divorce. The film will be released in UK cinemas on 31st May 2019.

Long Shot Trailer

Long Shot is the latest film from director Jonathan Levine (The Night Before, 50/50). The film is about a journalist who is reunited with his first crush, an accomplished diplomat who is making a run for the presidency. Starring Charlize Theron, Seth Rogan, and O’Shea Jackson Jr., Long Shot hits UK screens on 3rd May 2019.

Spy Cat Trailer

What is this? A film about a special agent cat certainly ticks the boxes! Spy Cat is an adventure comedy about a house cat who must team up with a band of drifters when she is abandoned at a rural petrol station. Spy Cat will exclusively be screened at Vue Cinemas from 26th April 2019.

Dogs on Film

This year cinema has offered some treats for fans of dogs on film. I was intending to write a ‘best films of the year’ list, but this seemed so much more important. Here is a list of the most memorable cinematic dogs of 2011. I haven’t seen every film released this year, so there is a chance I have missed the most fantastic dog on film. Therefore, this is a list of the best from films I have seen; feel free to make suggestions in the comments below.

1. Uggy

The Artist is perhaps the finest film released in 2011, and Uggy the finest dog. Irrepressibly cute, this silent movie canine does everything from starring in movies to saving lives. Often a scene stealer, Uggy is integral to The Artist, and undoubtedly adds to the film’s captivating charm.

2. Snowy

It would not be an exaggeration to assert that Snowy is better than his human companion Tintin on all levels in The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn. Snowy is far smarter and more observant than the boy detective, and is miles ahead in terms of natural charisma. Yet Tintin gets all the glory. Go figure.

3. Arthur

The adorable Arthur is the sidekick to Hal and then his son Oliver in Beginners. Arthur talks through the medium of subtitles, which is truly a delight to behold. Arthur’s comments are insightful and sometimes poignant, more than one may expect from a canine companion. Beginners is a great film, and is all the more enchanting with the inclusion of Arthur.

4. Tulip

The honey badger of the list, Tulip has no time for social airs and graces. Instead, Tulip does whatever she likes, sometimes to the displeasure of her owner in My Dog Tulip. Despite her uncouth ways, Tulip proves to be a loyal and affectionate companion, although others who come into contact with her may disagree.

5. Skeletor

The reason Skeletor features on this list is predominantly because he is named after He-Man’s arch nemesis. A retired greyhound, Skeletor is bought as a companion to Adam, who is diagnosed with cancer in 50/50. In spite of his minor role, Skeletor is memorable for his doe-eyed expressions.

Film Review: 50/50

An emotional comedy drama, 50/50 efficiently tugs at the heart strings. Jonathan Levine’s film boasts a good script and some excellent performances.

Adam is a twenty-seven year old guy with a fairly average lifestyle. When he is diagnosed with cancer, Adam struggles to come to terms with the shock. Adam must fight the disease whilst his family, friends and girlfriend come to terms with his condition. He has support from his new therapist, as well as best friend Kyle…

The balance of comedy and drama shifts in sync with the progression of the film. Will Reiser’s script works well, turning comedy to drama swiftly, and vice versa. 50/50 is successful because it posits a situation that most can comprehend, even if they cannot identify with. The film should hold particular resonance with viewers of a similar age to the protagonist. Adam’s lifestyle before cancer is completely normal, and therefore identifiable.

Levine’s film could have been entirely sentimental, given the subject matter. However the humour saves 50/50 from being a complete sobfest. The character of Kyle, played by Seth Rogen, counteracts the often serious tone, frequently providing the comic relief. In the second half of the film, the tone becomes distinctly emotional. Most viewers will struggle not to shed a tear at some point.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt offers a strong central performance as Adam. He is convincing throughout the film. It is Anjelica Houston who is really exemplary, however. Such is the power of Houston’s performance, she is able to reduce the audience to tears in every scene that she is in. Anna Kendrick provides good support in a role well suited to her, while Seth Rogen plays the type of role he has often played before. In this case, the comedy sidekick is a very necessary character, and Rogen does a decent job.

Viewers should have few complaints about 50/50. It is sentimental when it needs to be, but can just as easily switch to comedy. Highly recommended viewing.

London Film Festival Debriefing

So the BFI London Film Festival is over for another year. I managed to catch thirty-five films this year, as well as a smattering of press conferences and a round table interview. Having seen less than a quarter of the films shown throughout the festival, I have undoubtedly missed some gems. With this in mind, the following is a very brief appraisal of the festival.

The Best Films I Saw: The Artist, Shame, The Ides of March

The Films That Were As Good As Expected: This Must Be the Place, Headhunters, Martha Marcy May Marlene

The Unexpected Gem: The Monk

The Films I Wish I Had Seen: 50/50, Nobody Else But You

The Film I Wish I Could Unsee: Shock Head Soul

50/50 Trailer

http://www.premierpr-online.co.uk/player/player_480x300.swf?file=http://www.premierpr-online.co.uk/cinema/505001?user=ppr?a=false

Jonathan Levine’s 50/50 is a comedy drama due for release on 25th November 2011. The film features an impressive cast which includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard and Anjelica Huston. 50/50 is about a young man who finds out he has been diagnosed with cancer. A serious subject matter, which appears to be dealt with with both humour and soberness, as the trailer suggests. The film is also being screened at the London Film Festival this month.

The Empire Big Screen Diaries – Day 3

Like the protagonist on an epic quest in a sword and sorcery film, I embarked on the final day of Empire Big Screen. First order of business was the Paramount Showcase. After a brief video animating the company’s biggest films, a series of trailers were shown. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol was followed by Paranormal Activity 3 and Like Crazy. After this, a featurette on Cowboys and Aliens was screened, introduced by Jon Favreau (on video). We also got to see a short clip of the Footloose remake, and the trailer for The Devil Inside (which was highly reminiscent of last year’s The Last Exorcism). Two clips of the Shrek spin-off Puss in Boots were then screened. Te footage was great; the film looks as if it will be very funny. To round things off, footage of The Adventures of Tin Tin was screened with a message from producer Peter Jackson and director Steven Spielberg. The clips looked good, but I always think humans in CG-animation look weird.

After a brief interlude, the Lionsgate Showcase began. After the trailer for A Dangerous Method was shown, we got to see footage from Ralph Fiennes’ Coriolanus. Set in the modern day but with the original Shakespearean dialogue, the film looks interesting if a little unusual. The showcase was rounded up by four trailers – 50/50, Abduction, Warrior and Conan the Barbarian.

Seizing the opportunity for a proper lunch break, we headed to Armadillo (again). My fish burger was nice, but I felt bad that we didn’t leave a proper tip. In fairness, it was all the change we had, but apologies to Armadillo staff.

The Disney Showcase was the final one of the weekend. Real Steel was first up, with director Shawn Levy on stage to talk about the film. He also gave away tickets to the premiere, but asked the most difficult question ever. Needless to say, I did not know the answer. Two clips were then screened; the film looks like fairly standard family fare. Andrew Stanton then introduced John Carter and footage from the film was screened. Finally, Steven Spielberg (by video) introduced some footage of his upcoming film War Horse. What struck me more than anything was that Spielberg seems to have some hand in directing or producing many of the films discussed this weekend. He may have even a hand producing this post. Human star of the film Jeremy Irvine then came on stage to discuss making War Horse.

After hanging out in the press room for a bit (Jeremy Irvine was being interviewed there, talent-spotters!), it was time for The Muppets! Director of The Muppets James Bobin and star Kermit the Frog were interviewed live via satelite. I was told that the Muppets were originally meant to appear in person. Maybe it is just as well this did not happen, as I may have got kicked out for running up on stage and hugging Kermit. The interview was a lot of fun, and the clip screened involved Kermit singing a song. It almost brought a tear to the eye…

After all that excitement, it was time for the Conan the Barbarian premiere. Jason Momoa was present to introduce the film, shown at the biggest screen at the O2 Cineworld. The film was pretty disappointing itself (review to follow).

After the very last visit to the press room, I went to the secret screening. Cineworld tried to rob me blind with their popcorn prices, after which I settled down to watch the film. Before it started, I asked the gentleman next to me if he knew what the film was (I did by this point). When he answered “Cowboys and Aliens” I was perplexed, and thought he was joking until he showed me his ticket. I was in the wrong screen. After cursing my stupidity, I ran next door and luckily the trailers were still on. I then settled down to watch The Debt, a very good thriller (review to follow). And that concluded Empire Big Screen; the film was good way to end a busy but exciting weekend.

Many thanks to Empire and Romley Davies for having me, plus all the lovely people who made the weekend so much fun (you know who you are!).