The Campaign

Will Ferrell plays Cam Brady, a joyously slow Democratic congressman who is used to running unopposed in elections - that is, until two corrupt businessmen put up Marty Huggins (Galifianakis) as a Republican challenger to Brady in order to get the law changed for their own dubious ends. Both sides are prepared to do absolutely anything to win, and the campaign quickly gets out of hand. After a series of bizarre stunts, involving (in no particular order) snakes, sex tapes, drink driving, hunting rifles and the dog from The Artist, will either candidate spring the biggest surprise of all - and tell the truth?

The film is never less than uproariously funny, the outlandish and bizarre nature of some of the events understandable when the film has to upstage the increasingly unhinged world of American politics. The Campaign may not be subtle, but it is clever. The only detail that seemed underplayed was the role of the media, who merely report on events rather than drive the agenda, although in fairness the candidates' antics are so ridiculous even Fox News would be hard pressed to put a negative spin on some of what happens.

Overall, though, the film has something for everyone, so whether or not you follow the minutiae of politics, this film is sure to make you laugh. Not only that, but the chemistry between the two leads is great and unlike many films as daft as this one, it does make a serious point. So leave your morals at the door and get campaigning!

Will Tucker