The Campaign

Just when you thought the Obama/Romney election was the dirtiest off all time, in walks Jay Roach's The Campaign, a sly and unassuming venture into the world of politics, weaving satire and sweetness in for welcomed entertainment. Not long ago, I watched Andrew Fleming's Dick, a clever satire on Richard Nixon's presidency and how two dim-witted teenage girls managed to uncover the Watergate scandal and beat him at his own game. The Campaign doesn't exceed those heights in surprises and observantly funny comedy, but it will provide most moviegoers with sufficient weekend entertainment. And in downtimes like the ones currently upon us, we should try and seek out those films.

The plot concerns Democratic Congressman Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) of North Carolina's fourteenth district, who is running for a fifth term unopposed. His numbers, however, are currently down after he leaves a vulgar voice message on a local family's phone about his recent sexual encounter and his affair with a supporter. In the meantime, corrupt business brothers, Glen (John Lithgow) and Wade Motch (Dan Aykroyd) convince local naive tour guide Marty Huggins (Zach Galifianakis), who is loved by pretty much every person he runs into, to challenge Brady as the Republican candidate so that they can make illegal money off of a Chinese company. Marty agrees and Brady now has a race on his hands.

We then venture into the obligatory mud-slinging each side does and how their views have shaped their person overall. One of the most interesting subtle side characters I've seen in a long time is Jason Sudeikis's Mitch, Brady's "yes man" for everything, while Huggins is mainly coached by the pushy, uncompromising Tim Wattley, played viciously by Dylan McDermott.

When the mud-slinging goes underway, the jokes become hit or miss. Some instances stretch incredulity to unprecedented lengths, but I believe the reason behind it is to say something. Look where we've been in the political world in the last few years; the Clinton scandal, Obama's birth certificate, and if you want to get even more specific; the Anthony Weiner scandal which everyone loved to talk about a year ago, but now, it takes a minute for the name to ring a bell. Controversies have now been about anything and everything, and with that in mind, The Campaign doesn't seem so incredulous.

On another note, it's a shame the film doesn't dive into some true satire heights by taking shots at both Republicans and Democrats alike. It seems that if you are going to make a comedy centered around politics in the year 2012, you should try to take some shots at both political parties and go as far as you possibly can, but The Campaign's centrist view on the entire issue and the bigger picture is a bit underwhelming. Certainly both parties are flawed and equally arbitrary on the basis of their own terms and that alone could've inspired a film that was equal parts satire and relevant humor.

Regardless, this is certainly a better Ferrell-vehicle than Casa De Mi Padre or Old School several years back. I too feel people who aren't prepared to subject themselves to The Dictator's completely juvenile and limitless standards will seek this out as a means of easy-going fun. Ferrell immerses himself into the role of a goofy southerner effortlessly, and his fake accent is actually charming and tolerable throughout the film (perhaps I'm still grieving from Adam Sandler's in That's My Boy). Galifianakis perfectly suits his role, as well, and distinctively reminds me of Jack Black's Bernie Tiede in the tragically unseen comedy Bernie. This is a fun, tolerable comedy that doesn't rely too heavily on raunch and four letter words. A bit too much on animal abuse, but still mostly pleasing.

Starring: Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Sudeikis, Katherine LaNasa, Dylan McDermott, John Lithgow, Dan Aykroyd, and Brian Cox. Directed by: Jay Roach.

"The Campaign" is not a film to show your kids, your mother or Father O'Malley if he stops by for the evening. Why? Because the film is incredibly crude and despite no nudity and only a little bit of violence (such as when a baby and Uggie the dog are punched in the face), it earns its R rating because it is so crude. All that being said, it is still a very enjoyable film...and worth seeing. Just don't tell others, because they might think less of you.

The film is about a fictional congressional election between a dumb, sleazy womanizing incumbent (Will Ferrell) and a dumb, not as sleazy and very effeminate newbie (Zach Galifianakis). As the campaign progresses, the rhetoric between the pair becomes more and more sleazy and awful...to the point where it's simply ludicrous late in the story. Who will win and what about those rich jerks pulling the strings in this election?

As I mentioned above, the film is very crude and adult....watch it at your own risk. But it also is funny and offers some interesting insights into American politics.

This film is about a race between two congressman candidates in North Carolina.

"The Campaign" is a fun and light hearted mockery of modern American politics, but it is also surprisingly real in terms of what could possibly happen in a real election campaign. The plot is funny and really gets me laughing, but I am the most impressed by the emotional ending that conveys a victory to morality. Another thing that really stands out is the Asian maid who speaks with an amazing African and also Spanish accent.

I enjoyed watching this film!

Cam Brady (played by Will Ferrell) is a veteran politician and congressman. However, the power-brokers/people with the money in his party decide that he is a liability to the party and find another candidate to run against him, Marty Huggins (Zach Galifianakis). The campaign is going to be a dirty one...

Not too bad. Has some very funny lines and scenes and does parody American politics quite well. However, it does get mired in empty sentimentality and sub-plots that go nowhere. Plus, neither of the contenders are likable, leaving no "hero" to support.

Good performance from Will Ferrell. Zach Galifianakis' character was particularly irritating, but hard to fault the performance too much. Good support from Jason Sudeikis and Dylan McDermott, plus from John Lithgow, Dan Aykroyd and Brian Cox in minor roles.

Plot: "The Campaign" takes a satirical dive into the chaotic world of American politics, delivering a sharp and uproarious critique of the electoral process. The story revolves around two wildly contrasting candidates, Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) and Marty Huggins (Zach Galifianakis), who find themselves entangled in a cutthroat race for a North Carolina congressional seat. As the campaign progresses, both candidates resort to outrageous tactics, revealing the absurdity and absurdly entertaining nature of modern-day politics.

Review: "The Campaign" is a sidesplitting comedy that skillfully skewers the political landscape with its irreverent humor and brilliant performances. The film's plot cleverly explores the lengths to which politicians will go to secure victory, while also highlighting the influence of money, media, and personal scandals on the electoral process.

Will Ferrell delivers yet another stellar comedic performance as Cam Brady, a seasoned politician with a larger-than-life personality and an ego to match. His over-the-top antics and uninhibited dialogue provide a constant source of laughter. On the other hand, Zach Galifianakis brings his unique brand of awkward charm to the role of Marty Huggins, a naïve and eccentric candidate who becomes an unexpected contender in the race. The chemistry between Ferrell and Galifianakis is palpable, resulting in a dynamic on-screen pairing that amplifies the comedic moments.

Director Jay Roach masterfully balances the film's humor with its underlying political commentary, ensuring that "The Campaign" never loses sight of its satirical edge. The script is filled with witty one-liners, clever sight gags, and unexpected plot twists that keep the audience engaged from start to finish. The film's pacing is well-executed, maintaining a steady momentum that allows for seamless transitions between comedic set-pieces and character development.

While "The Campaign" primarily focuses on comedy, it also offers a sly critique of the flaws and absurdities within the American electoral system. Through its exaggerated scenarios and larger-than-life characters, the film highlights the impact of money in politics, the role of media manipulation, and the prevalence of personal scandals that often overshadow substantive policy discussions.

In conclusion, "The Campaign" is a hilarious and thought-provoking comedy that provides a welcome escape into the absurd world of politics. With its sharp writing, brilliant performances, and biting satire, the film delivers an entertaining and timely exploration of the political landscape. Whether you're a political junkie or simply in need of a good laugh, "The Campaign" is a must-see film that will leave you entertained and questioning the state of modern-day politics.