Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis play political rivals in “The Campaign”, a comedy from director Jay Roach, who also directed HBO’s “Game Change” and “Recount”, so he definitely knows his stuff when it comes to politics. And it shows. This is a smart and sharp film that takes itself seriously while still being hysterically funny, and throws in a little bit of heart as well.
Ferrell plays North Carolina’s four-time District 14 Democratic Congressman Cam Brady, who’s a typical politician: obsessed with himself, isn’t very bright and will say and do whatever it takes to get people to vote for him. Brady’s about to win his his fifth term in office because he’s running unopposed. But two powerful political star-makers (played by veteran funny men Dan Aykroyd and John Lithgow, who happen to play the straight men in this film) decide that someone needs to run against Brady, and beat him, so they can control the district. And the candidate they choose is Marty Huggins, a local tour guide and simple family man with no political experience. Galifianakis is perfect in the role. So, with only eight weeks to go before Election Day, Cam and Marty go head-to-head each in debates, TV commercials and every other way possible in an effort to win their way to win.
“The Campaign” packs a lot into 85 minutes, and delivers enough laughs and gags to keep you engaged and entertained throughout. On-going cameo appearances by Wolf Blitzer, Chris Mathews and other real-life political analists and reporters add to the humor as they balance with outrageous portayals of the two candidates, their team members and families. Some of the jokes and situations do go a bit too far. And, as is the case in most Will Ferrell comedies, and some of them go a little overboard.
But it was a good decision by the writers NOT to make this a Presidental election
story. This small town Congressional battle lends itself much better to
the comedic situations. And there are several laugh-out-loud moments and memorable scenes, including a rendition of The Lord’s Prayer that you’ve never heard before. Ferrell is a pro in these kinds of roles, but it’s Galifianakis who shines as the likeable underdog. Also good are Dylan McDermott as Marty’s campaign manager, Jason Sudekis (“SNL”) as Cam’s campaign manager and Brian Cox in a small role as Marty’s father.
“The Campaign” is rated R, and for a very good reason. It’s filled with adult language and situations along with some nudity. But it’s the language that prevents this film from being appropriate for kids.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “The Campaign” gets a B.
And it joins “Ted” in the category of funniest, and often inappropriate, films of 2012.