The Campaign

In the last 10-15 years, comedies, especially Will Ferrell comedies, have just gotten more and more strained and over-the-top. I'm not usually a huge Ferrell fan, so I naturally went to see "The Campaign" with a bit of trepidation, but what I assumed would be just another silly pratfall comedy turned out to be an interesting and fairly well written piece.

In order to gain influence over their North Carolina district, two wealthy CEO's, Glenn and Wade Motch (John Lithgow and Dan Aykroyd) seize an opportunity to oust long-term congressman Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) after a terrible public gaffe involving Cam, by putting up a rival candidate. Their man: naive Marty Huggins (Zach Galifianakis), director of the local Tourism Center.
The Motch brothers are long time buddies with Raymond Huggins (Brian Cox), Marty's father, so as not to displease his dad, Marty agreed to run. The Motch brothers need someone moldable, basically a patsy. So to insure a win, The Motch brothers bring in a hard core campaign manager, Tim Wattley (Dylan McDermott) to get Marty prepared. As they face-off with Cam and his campaign manager, Mitch (Jason Sudeikis), the 'boxing match' replete with mud-slinging ensues for one bloody battle.

Others to round out the cast are Katherine La Nasa as Rose Brady, Cam's wife, Sarah Baker as Mitzi Huggins, Marty's wife, Karen Maruyama as Mrs.Yao, Grant Goodman and Kya Haywood as Clay and Dylan Huggins, kids of Marty's, Randall Cunningham as Cam Jr., Jack McBrayer as Mr. Mendenhall, and Elizabeth Wells Berkes as Mrs. Mendenhall.

This was directed by comedy veteran, Jay Roach ("Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" '97," Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" '99, "Meet the Parents" 2000, "Austin Powers in Goldmember" '02, "Meet the Fockers" '04, "Dinner for Schmucks" '10,).It was actually decently crafted by writers Shawn Harwell and Chris Henchy which was based on a screen story by Chris Henchy and Adam McKay.

I have to say that not only did the premise and writing work for this flick, but the chemistry between Ferrell and Galifianakis was spot on. The 'opposites attract' definition used here really made this work.

There were a few moments that really weren't needed to make this the comedy it was striving to be, but all in all it excelled. This being an election year,this gave you a glimpse of the satirical side of the politics and pratfalls of campaigning, or was it satirical?

Out of 4 stars: 3                      Rated: R                       85mins.