The Campaign Movie Review

The Campaign Examiner Movie Review, Written by: Karen Benardello With a highly experienced genre director and two talented comics who come together on a political comedy film bordering on satire, particularly in the months before a heavily debated presidential election, the result should be a natural mix of jokes and debates on serious issues. The new comedy ‘The Campaign,’ which will open in area Long Island theaters tomorrow, is the perfect instance of having the set-up of all of these perfect cinematic elements. The movie’s respected helmer, Jay Roach, made the right choice when he hired valued comic actors Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis for the lead roles. Unfortunately, the film included a predictable plotline that failed to highlight the actors’ talents. ‘The Campaign’ follows North Carolina congressman Cam Brady (played by Ferrell), who is once again running unopposed, for his fifth term for the 14th District. But his reputation’s tarnished when he’s inadvertently forced to publicly admit that he had a mistress while campaigning for the upcoming election. Thinking that Cam shouldn’t be elected again, two wealthy CEO brothers, Glenn and Wade Motch (portrayed by John Lithgow and Dan Aykroyd, respectfully), plot to put up a rival candidate and gain influence over their district. They choose naïve Marty Huggins (played by Galifianakis), the director of the local Tourism Center. At first, Marty appears to be the unlikeliest possible choice to become a Congressman. But with the help of his new benefactors, a cutthroat campaign manager, Tim Wattley (played by Dylan McDermont) and his family’s political connections, Marty soon becomes a true contender who gives the alluring Cam something to worry about. As Election Day closes in, the two are close in the polls and sacrifice their families just to beat their competitor. Roach has had previous experience in telling both political and comedic stories, with the HBO films ‘Game Change’ and ‘Recount’ and the ‘Austin Powers’ trilogy and the first two ‘Meet the Parents’ movies. He effortlessly told true, captivating political stories in the HBO movies and amusing stories of dysfunctional characters in his previous comedies. Unfortunately, the helmer unfortunately created one-dimensional, stereotypical characters and in Cam and Marty and a predictable plotline in ‘The Campaign.’ To continue reading this review, please visit Examiner.