★ 2 / 10
Boring watch, won't watch again, and do not
Kamurai
Boring watch, won't watch again, and do not recommend. After watching "Irrestitable", I should have known better than to give this a try, but I was hoping the…
Boring watch, won't watch again, and do not recommend.
After watching "Irrestitable", I should have known better than to give this a try, but I was hoping the stars being the actual candidates would make it better, but it's still about nonsense politics and social manipulation.
If you like the actors, then you might get a bit out of it, but you could also just watch other good things they're in.
Politics isn't fun for me, and there are a few absurd jokes that land, but for the most part it is a lot of work to setup jokes that just do not land.
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★ 7 / 10
One of the most memorable comedies of '012
StevePulaski
Just when you thought the Obama/Romney election was the dirtiest off all time, in walks Jay Roach's The Campaign, a sly and unassuming venture into the world…
Just when you thought the Obama/Romney election was the dirtiest off all time, in walks Jay Roach's The Campaign, a sly and unassuming venture into the world of politics, weaving satire and sweetness in for welcomed entertainment. Not long ago, I watched Andrew Fleming's Dick, a clever satire on Richard Nixon's presidency and how two dim-witted teenage girls managed to uncover the Watergate scandal and beat him at his own game. The Campaign doesn't exceed those heights in surprises and observantly funny comedy, but it will provide most moviegoers with sufficient weekend entertainment. And in downtimes like the ones currently upon us, we should try and seek out those films.The plot concerns Democratic Congressman Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) of North Carolina's fourteenth district, who is running for a fifth term unopposed. His numbers, however, are currently down after he leaves a vulgar voice message on a local family's phone about his recent sexual encounter and his affair with a supporter. In the meantime, corrupt business brothers, Glen (John Lithgow) and Wade Motch (Dan Aykroyd) convince local naive tour guide Marty Huggins (Zach Galifianakis), who is loved by pretty much every person he runs into, to challenge Brady as the Republican candidate so that they can make illegal money off of a Chinese company. Marty agrees and Brady now has a race on his hands.We then venture into the obligatory mud-slinging each side does and how their views have shaped their person overall. One of the most interesting subtle side characters I've seen in a long time is Jason Sudeikis's Mitch, Brady's "yes man" for everything, while Huggins is mainly coached by the pushy, uncompromising Tim Wattley, played viciously by Dylan McDermott.When the mud-slinging goes underway, the jokes become hit or miss. Some instances stretch incredulity to unprecedented lengths, but I believe the reason behind it is to say something. Look where we've been in the political world in the last few years; the Clinton scandal, Obama's birth certificate, and if you want to get even more specific; the Anthony Weiner scandal which everyone loved to talk about a year ago, but now, it takes a minute for the name to ring a bell. Controversies have now been about anything and everything, and with that in mind, The Campaign doesn't seem so incredulous.On another note, it's a shame the film doesn't dive into some true satire heights by taking shots at both Republicans and Democrats alike. It seems that if you are going to make a comedy centered around politics in the year 2012, you should try to take some shots at both political parties and go as far as you possibly can, but The Campaign's centrist view on the entire issue and the bigger picture is a bit underwhelming. Certainly both parties are flawed and equally arbitrary on the basis of their own terms and that alone could've inspired a film that was equal parts satire and relevant humor.Regardless, this is certainly a better Ferrell-vehicle than Casa De Mi Padre or Old School several years back. I too feel people who aren't prepared to subject themselves to The Dictator's completely juvenile and limitless standards will seek this out as a means of easy-going fun. Ferrell immerses himself into the role of a goofy southerner effortlessly, and his fake accent is actually charming and tolerable throughout the film (perhaps I'm still grieving from Adam Sandler's in That's My Boy). Galifianakis perfectly suits his role, as well, and distinctively reminds me of Jack Black's Bernie Tiede in the tragically unseen comedy Bernie. This is a fun, tolerable comedy that doesn't rely too heavily on raunch and four letter words. A bit too much on animal abuse, but still mostly pleasing.Starring: Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Sudeikis, Katherine LaNasa, Dylan McDermott, John Lithgow, Dan Aykroyd, and Brian Cox. Directed by: Jay Roach.
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★ 6 / 10
A Hilarious Political Rollercoaster
sufyaanrashid95
Plot: "The Campaign" takes a satirical dive into the chaotic world of American politics, delivering a sharp and uproarious critique of the electoral process.…
Plot: "The Campaign" takes a satirical dive into the chaotic world of American politics, delivering a sharp and uproarious critique of the electoral process. The story revolves around two wildly contrasting candidates, Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) and Marty Huggins (Zach Galifianakis), who find themselves entangled in a cutthroat race for a North Carolina congressional seat. As the campaign progresses, both candidates resort to outrageous tactics, revealing the absurdity and absurdly entertaining nature of modern-day politics.Review:
"The Campaign" is a sidesplitting comedy that skillfully skewers the political landscape with its irreverent humor and brilliant performances. The film's plot cleverly explores the lengths to which politicians will go to secure victory, while also highlighting the influence of money, media, and personal scandals on the electoral process.Will Ferrell delivers yet another stellar comedic performance as Cam Brady, a seasoned politician with a larger-than-life personality and an ego to match. His over-the-top antics and uninhibited dialogue provide a constant source of laughter. On the other hand, Zach Galifianakis brings his unique brand of awkward charm to the role of Marty Huggins, a naïve and eccentric candidate who becomes an unexpected contender in the race. The chemistry between Ferrell and Galifianakis is palpable, resulting in a dynamic on-screen pairing that amplifies the comedic moments.Director Jay Roach masterfully balances the film's humor with its underlying political commentary, ensuring that "The Campaign" never loses sight of its satirical edge. The script is filled with witty one-liners, clever sight gags, and unexpected plot twists that keep the audience engaged from start to finish. The film's pacing is well-executed, maintaining a steady momentum that allows for seamless transitions between comedic set-pieces and character development.While "The Campaign" primarily focuses on comedy, it also offers a sly critique of the flaws and absurdities within the American electoral system. Through its exaggerated scenarios and larger-than-life characters, the film highlights the impact of money in politics, the role of media manipulation, and the prevalence of personal scandals that often overshadow substantive policy discussions.In conclusion, "The Campaign" is a hilarious and thought-provoking comedy that provides a welcome escape into the absurd world of politics. With its sharp writing, brilliant performances, and biting satire, the film delivers an entertaining and timely exploration of the political landscape. Whether you're a political junkie or simply in need of a good laugh, "The Campaign" is a must-see film that will leave you entertained and questioning the state of modern-day politics.
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66%
TOMATOMETER
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51%
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6.1/10
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Remove the 4k and replace it with the right film.