Jamie Delson

I am a big fan of Notting Hill, which I watch with some regularity- perhaps every other year. It is sweet, romantic, funny and carries off the nearly impossible task of remaining true to its upbeat story of kismet even after so many intervening decades. Long Shot is cut from the same cloth. Its surprise casting of sweet but schlubby Seth Rogan winning the heart of powerful, impossibly beautiful Charlize Theron is like a modern-day fairy tale, with the wicked world of corrupt politicians and power-brokers the spicy sauce necessary to flavor what might have been just another goofy romance. Smartly written, performed with genuine feelings to the fore, it makes one appreciate the skills of experienced filmmakers who are capable of turning out an offbeat comedy romance in the cluttered field of derivative trifles that populate today’s big screens.