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Romantic comedy

Long Shot (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Long Shot (2019) movie poster

Long Shot is a 2019 romantic comedy directed by Jonathan Levine, starring Seth Rogen as Fred Flarsky, Charlize Theron and Bob Odenkirk. It runs 2 hours 5 minutes and earned $53.9 million worldwide on a $40 million budget. Critics gave it 82% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10.

IMDb rating
6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
82%
worldwide gross
$53.9M
Echo Score
76
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Long Shot (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 5m (125 min)
Director
Jonathan Levine
Genres
Comedy , Romance
Original language
English
Budget
$40M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Long Shot About?

The premise of Long Shot without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A political powerhouse and a lovable slacker find an unlikely connection in this comedic romance. Fred Flarsky, once Charlotte Field’s childhood friend, is unexpectedly hired as her speechwriter as she embarks on a campaign for the presidency. Thrust into a world of high-profile events and intense scrutiny, their bond deepens, leading to an unconventional and humorous romance filled with unexpected challenges and a journey across the globe.

Long Shot Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • babysitter
  • ejaculation
  • journalist
  • speechwriter
  • diplomat
  • first crush
  • childhood crush
  • activist
  • president of the united states
  • female president
  • female president of the united states
  • presidential candidate
+38 more
  • high heels
  • female protagonist
  • helicopter
  • terror attack
  • fundraiser
  • viral video
  • termination
  • campaign manager
  • political advisor
  • nightclub
  • hostage negotiation
  • merger
  • president
  • hotel
  • republican
  • secretary of state
  • laptop computer
  • speech
  • flashback
  • friendship
  • party
  • love
  • dancing
  • new york city
  • explosion
  • nazi salute
  • tattooed man
  • tattooing
  • jew
  • bathtub
  • cell phone
  • seeking a job
  • crush on babysitter
  • kiss
  • erection
  • reference to jennifer aniston
  • airplane
  • reference to google
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Cast & crew

Long Shot Cast & Characters

Seth Rogen leads the cast as Fred Flarsky, with Charlize Theron as Charlotte Field and Bob Odenkirk as President Chambers. Directed by Jonathan Levine; 21 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Jonathan Levine

More films directed by Jonathan Levine, best-rated first: 50/50, The Wackness, Warm Bodies and The Night Before.

Full filmography
Ratings

Long Shot Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Long Shot 82% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 76/100, strongest in character & emotion (83) and weakest in rewatch factor (70).

76 /100

Long Shot Echo Score Breakdown

Long Shot presents an engaging blend of comedic energy and heartfelt romance, tempered by sporadic narrative dips in its political subplot. Critics highlighted the film’s refreshingly unconventional characters and deftly woven comedic script, while several viewers commended its brisk pacing and visual polish but remarked on forced gags and occasional plot contrivances. The chemistry between the leads sustains engagement throughout. In sum, Long Shot is an enjoyable mainstream comedy that largely succeeds through charm despite surface-level unevenness.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 72

    In terms of art and craft, Long Shot offers polished visual framing and a cohesive production aesthetic. Several reviewers noted the vibrant color palette and clean editing that maintain narrative momentum. The film’s locations are showcased with clarity, supporting varied settings without distraction. Overall, the direction and cinematography contribute positively to the film’s energetic tone.

  • Character & Emotion 83

    When it comes to character development, Long Shot features protagonists whose dynamic interplay brings depth and warmth. Critics and viewers alike praised the authentic rapport between the leads, noting well-drawn supporting roles and moments of genuine emotional resonance. At times, minor characters rely on broad humor, but overall the performances and chemistry are strong, sustaining the story’s emotional core.

  • Story & Flow 75

    In terms of story and flow, Long Shot delivers a generally cohesive narrative with measured pacing and engaging comedic beats. The script’s integration of political themes adds novelty, though some viewers found that subplot uneven or underexplored. Dialogue is frequently sharp, balancing romantic tension and humor. Overall, the plot sustains interest despite occasional dips in plausibility and momentum.

  • Sensory Experience 78

    When assessing the sensory experience, Long Shot showcases a well-integrated soundtrack and clear sound design that complement its visual style. Viewers highlighted lively music cues and crisp audio mixing, while the film’s scenic backdrops and modest production values create an appealing atmosphere. Although not highly stylized, the sensory elements align cohesively with the narrative’s upbeat tone.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    Regarding rewatch factor, Long Shot offers sufficient humor and character moments to reward repeat viewings. Audiences appreciate subtle jokes and the evolving chemistry, noting that the film’s lighter tone and familiar rom-com tropes provide comfort. Some may find the novelty wanes after multiple watches, but the performances and comedic timing maintain enough freshness. Overall, the film holds moderate lasting appeal.

Plot

Long Shot Plot Summary

What happens in Long Shot from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In 2019, U.S. Secretary of State Charlotte Field, portrayed by Charlize Theron, discovers from President Chambers that he has no intention to run for a second term. After a successful career as a TV star, Chambers is eager to transition into the film industry. Seizing the moment, Charlotte persuades him to endorse her as a potential presidential candidate. She is a Rhodes scholar and Pulitzer Prize winner, known as the youngest Secretary of State in U.S. history, tirelessly dedicated to her work, leaving little room for a personal life.

Katherine, the head of her polling team, encourages Charlotte to hire a humorous speechwriter to boost her public image and suggests she engage in a high-profile political romance, like dating the Canadian Prime Minister James Steward, to generate media excitement.

Full summary

The whole story of Long Shot, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Long Shot Box Office & Budget

Long Shot grossed $53.9 million worldwide on a $40 million budget, 1.3 times what it cost. $30.3 million came from the US and Canada and $23.6 million (44%) from the rest of the world.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$53.9M

1.3× its budget

US & Canada
$30.3M
International
$23.6M
Budget
$40M
US & Canada 56% Rest of the world 44%
Videos

Long Shot Trailers & Videos

17 videos: 4 trailers, 10 teasers and 3 clips.

All 17 videos
Long Shot (2019 Movie) Official Trailer – Seth Rogen, Charlize Theron
  • Trailer Long Shot (2019 Movie) New Trailer – Seth Rogen, Charlize Theron
  • Trailer Long Shot (2019 Movie) New Trailer "Green Band" – Seth Rogen, Charlize Theron
  • Trailer Long Shot (2019 Movie) Official Trailer “Unexpected” – Seth Rogen, Charlize Theron
  • Teaser Long Shot (2019 Movie) Official TV Spot “Captain Crunch” – Seth Rogen, Charlize Theron
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Long Shot?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who plays the role of U.S. Secretary of State Charlotte Field?

Cars

Cars in Long Shot

10 cars on screen, including the 2015 GMC Yukon and the Lincoln MKS.

All 10 cars
  • 2015 GMC Yukon in Long Shot 2015 GMC Yukon Important role
  • Lincoln MKS in Long Shot Lincoln MKS Important role
  • 2008 Chevrolet Malibu in Long Shot 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Minor role
  • 2005 Nissan Altima in Long Shot 2005 Nissan Altima Minor role
Details

Long Shot Also Known As

43 alternative titles, including “Flarsky” and “Un bon coup”.

Also known as
  • Flarsky
  • Un bon coup
  • 希望渺茫
  • 高风险赌注
  • Ni en tus sueños
  • 漫长的过程
  • 索爆高低恋
  • 选情尬翻天
  • Ni en sueños
  • Séduis-moi si tu peux
  • Seduz-me Se És Capaz
  • Stará láska nehrdzavie
+31 more
  • 全民追女王
  • А дано, ама надали
  • Séduis-moi si tu peux !
  • Божевільна парочка
  • Та ещё парочка
  • Long Shot - Unwahrscheinlich, aber nicht unmöglich
  • 롱 샷
  • מה הסיכוי?
  • Niedobrani
  • Casi imposible
  • Μια Απίθανη Σχέση
  • Заведи ме ако можеш
  • Casal Improvável
  • 全民追女神
  • 選情尬翻天
  • Srážka s láskou
  • Flarsky: Zrážka s láskou
  • Csekély esély
  • Non succede, ma se succede...
  • Long Shot - Mahdoton yhtälö
  • Denemeye Değer
  • นายโคตรแน่ขอจีบตัวแม่หน่อย!
  • N-ai șanse, frate!
  • 索爆高低戀
  • Be šansų
  • Tas tik ir pārītis!
  • Yêu Nhầm Sếp Bự
  • غیر محتمل (مجازی), არასწორი წყვილი
  • Zavedi me ako možeš
  • ロング・ショット 僕と彼女のありえない恋
  • Gairebé impossible

Seen Long Shot?

FAQ

Long Shot FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Long Shot, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Long Shot?

Long Shot runs 2 hours 5 minutes (125 minutes).

When was Long Shot released?

Long Shot was released on May 3, 2019.

Who directed Long Shot?

Long Shot was directed by Jonathan Levine.

More films by Jonathan Levine

Who is in the cast of Long Shot?

Long Shot stars Seth Rogen as Fred Flarsky, Charlize Theron as Charlotte Field and Bob Odenkirk as President Chambers, among 21 credited actors.

How much did Long Shot make at the box office?

Long Shot grossed $53.9 million worldwide ($30.3 million domestic, $23.6 million international) on a budget of $40 million.

How is Long Shot rated?

Long Shot has 6.8/10 on IMDb, 82% on Rotten Tomatoes, 67% on TMDB and 3.2/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Long Shot have a post-credit scene?

No. Long Shot has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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