Film Review #19

                I’ll be honest with you guys: Will Ferrell is hit or miss with me. I loved him as Ron Burgundy in Anchor Man. I thought he was hilarious as Jackie Moon in Semi-Pro. Flicks like Land of the Lost, Bewitched, and Casa de Mi Padre haven’t done him any favors however. A few days ago I decided to roll the dice and watch Mr. Ferrell put his comedic skills to use in The Campaign. Jay Roach directs a well-known cast that includes Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Sudeikis, Katherine LaNasa, Dylan McDermott, John Lithgow, and Dan Aykroyd. After viewing this comedy I have to admit it’s a winner.

                The plot of the film is humorous and perfect to see if you’re sick of watching those negative presidential campaign ads. Congressman Cam Brady (Ferrell) is running unopposed in his district for the fifth consecutive time.  His bid for a fifth appointment appears to be in the bag until his philandering ways are spotlighted. After damaging his image irrevocably, the wealthy Motch brothers (Lithgow & Aykroyd) decide it is time for the 14^th District of North Carolina to have a new representative. Naïve Marty Huggins (Galifianakis) is chosen. In the end, only one man can be declared the winner.  Fully realizing this, Huggins and Brady play a hilarious game of one-upmanship.

                Will Ferrell is perfect as Cam Brady- an unethical, hypersexual, alcohol-fueled politician. His star shines brightest in the film. Galifianakis’ role is memorable too. He is believable as a gullible family man who just wants to clean up the town. However, his “goody two shoes” demeanor borders annoyance sometimes; not to mention the actor’s dialect. Sudeikis and McDermott deserve praise for their roles as opposing campaign managers. Both men are convincing. In order for his candidate to win McDermott appears sociopathic at times! Lithgow and Aykroyd are absolutely diabolical. You will really believe that these two characters will sink to any depth just to make a quick buck. The entire cast filled my expectations. Together, they pack a powerful comedic punch!

The Diabolical Motch Brothers

                A limited amount of special effects were used in The Campaign. How else are we going to allow Ferrell to punch a baby and a dog? More than anything the film relies on offensive and often crude humor. With that said, a variety of camera angles are shown that manage to convey the right tones at the right time. Music is used in a similar way. With that said, all of these techniques combined to enhance themes of ignorant bliss, double-crossing, two-timing, cold calculating, and outrageous antics.

Fun For Everyone To See

                If I can only give my audience one reason to go see this film I would say go because you will be in stitches. The Campaign offers more than a few simple laughs. Seeing Ferrell and Galifianakis face off is a guilty pleasure. You will wish you could view each man’s shenanigans in person. As I mentioned before, The Campaign is a grand reprieve from the mudslinging that is currently going on. Why not slip out of reality for a little bit and have a laugh? It worked for me.

7.5 out of 10