There’s a lot to like, and importantly to laugh at, in Long Shot. The references to current political situations are terrifyingly spot on, and there are some spectacular characterisations and cameos. Notably, Alexander Skarsgård as the seemingly dreamy Canadian Prime Minister, who quickly demonstrates that, even if you do look like a Nordic God, attempting to eat an oyster with sexual overtones is nothing short of horrifying.

Meanwhile, the film makes an effort to expose and skewer stereotypes. Charlotte is a skilled politician working 1000 times as hard as her male counterparts in order to be taken anywhere near as seriously (because, you know, the patriarchy). She projects a flawless image of sleek togetherness, fits in workouts during phone interviews, and impressively micro-naps while appearing to look contemplatively out of windows. On the other side, Fred is the kind of human who drinks tequila out of a plastic baggy, is never seen without his – admittedly great – windbreaker, gets obliterated with his best mate (O’Shea Jackson Jr), and quits his job on principle when a Fox News stand-in; captained by a right-wing billionaire (Andy Serkis as the lovechild of Rupert Murdoch and Steve Bannon’s nose) buys out his liberal newspaper.

There are a few bum notes as the plot hits formulaic lows, but it pulls through with a sharp script; co-written by former Girls writer and producer Dan Sterling, and Liz Hannah (who’s recently written the screen adaption for Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine), this rom-com’s treatment of female characters is far better than that seen in previous House of Rogen films. Knocked Up and 50/50 – Rogen and director Jonathan Levine’s previous collaboration – both portrayed women as nagging and occasionally spiteful spoilsports, dampening the fun of the “lads”.

Long Shot review: Romance usurps bromance in this satirical comedy